See More Projects Like This One

San Antonio, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Older adults needed better access to fresh food, active learning and social connection. Gardopia launched a community garden at the Senior Center, engaging 43 participants in hands-on installation, offering eight classes, wellness activities and installing raised beds with irrigation. Two participants completed an intensive master class to lead peers as the garden matures. A field visit to the microfarm boosted confidence and connection, and the garden will reach full productivity in Spring 2026 to support ongoing food access and active aging.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Isleta Pueblo, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will provide older adults with a year-round gardening space near the Elder Center and horno bread ovens. It will feature raised beds for growing traditional plants, herbs, and vegetables.

Kenai, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Hey gek'a, also known as the lingonberry or lowbush cranberry, is used by Alaska Native people to treat headaches, swelling, sore throats and tuberculosis and to dye mats, baskets and skin. After the installation of six raised gardening beds on the campus of the Dena'ina Wellness Center, Kenaitze Indian Tribe elders and other community members have improved access to the berries. They also grow 11 other indigenous, medicinal plants at the site, including chamomile, yarrow and stinging nettle. Each plant is tagged with its Dena'ina name, as well as its uses, enabling visitors to learn about the tribe's language and traditional knowledge.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Wheeling, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Wheeling Heritage turned a vacant downtown lot into a pocket park, giving residents and older adults a safe, inviting place to gather. Volunteers helped install benches, garden beds, game tables and art features, along with pet-friendly amenities and lighting. The park now offers a quiet spot for relaxation and recreation and is expected to complement nearby plaza events. A local business owner said, "It's great to see others taking pride in the positive momentum happening at Market Plaza."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Wellsburg, WV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Wellsburg's parks offered few options for older adults, and pickleball's growing popularity highlighted the lack of courts and seating. The project added two new courts, ADA-compliant picnic tables and a memo board, creating a more inclusive space for play and socializing. These upgrades reduced wait times and sparked new partnerships and plans for tournaments. One longtime player said, "Before, we had to drag big wooden picnic tables... Now, we have the luxury of having our own tables!"

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP West Virginia State Office

300 Summers Street
Suite 400
Charleston, WV 25301
United States

Phone: 866-227-7458
Fax: 304-344-4633
Email: [email protected]