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Wilmington, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: As part of its efforts to turn several vacant lots into the 7th and West Streets Park, the Wilmington Alliance (then known as the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation) created a community garden onsite. The Alliance constructed a storage shed and raised-bed gardens, along with two beds for blueberry and raspberry bushes. The shed has lighting, a community bulletin board and a countertop workspace for gardeners. To offer gardeners expertise and support, project organizers also recruited a neighbor to serve as farmer-in-residence. During planning for the new park -- located on a remediated brownfield site -- residents specifically requested a vegetable garden. Today, the garden makes up one-third of the park. The green space has become a staple in the community, and the neighbors have embraced the opportunities the garden presents, said Laura Semmelroth, director of creative placemaking.
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Blue Moon Community Garden in Tucson is located next a 17-story apartment building with hundreds of residents, many of whom are older adults. However, the garden lacked shade and amenities, including public bathrooms and benches, which discouraged potential volunteers. Community Gardens of Tucson, which manages twenty gardens across the city, installed tables, benches and pop-up shade structures. They also built raised garden beds, improved pathways and added a compostable toilet onsite. The improvements allow garden to offer more diverse programming for community members, which has led to more volunteer engagement.
Trinidad, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project restored the museum garden and divided it into seven specialty gardens (dye, herb, heritage, high altitude/low water, medicinal and vegetable), which now feature raised planting beds and ADA-compliant seating.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wheeling, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will create a pocket park in downtown Wheeling that will feature outdoor art, chess tables and chairs in an ADA-compliant public space.
Wellsburg, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: To support community health and wellness, this project resurfaced two new pickleball courts and enhanced the area with new fencing, paddle racks and a bulletin board to post tournament results.
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