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Montclair Community Foundation (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Montclair Community Garden has long been used by community members as a central gathering place, despite a lack of older adult-friendly amenities. The Montclair Community Foundation installed three raised garden beds, specifically designed for people with mobility restrictions, those who cannot easily bend down and gardeners who use wheelchairs. Additionally, the foundation installed an ADA-compliant picnic table, an 18-by-27-foot shade structure and new LED lighting. These changes enable residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy the garden. Now that the improvements are complete, project organizers say they are piloting a health education program at the garden, which will welcome patients whose doctors have recommended they spend time outdoors.
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Wichita, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will enhance accessibility by installing sidewalks, an accessible raised bed, a bench, and ergonomic tools. This project aims to support individuals with mobility issues, especially older adults, in the garden space.
East Providence, RI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will create an accessible community garden at the East Providence Senior Center. It will provide fresh produce to older adults, offer on-site cooking classes, and culminate in a community Thanksgiving meal.
Anadarko, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Delaware Nation created an accessible community garden in an area designated as a food desert. Residents of all ages use the garden to plant and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. The garden includes 25 raised beds, constructed at different heights to accommodate older adults and people with mobility differences. Two beds are specifically designated for growing native plants. Delaware Nation also purchased gardening tools, including wheelbarrows, trellises, garden hoses, an irrigation system and reusable frost blankets. Much of the produce grown onsite is used in meals prepared for the tribe's older members. Tables, shade umbrellas and a charcoal grill allow tribal members to gather and enjoy produce from the garden together.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Fontana, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: The City of Fontana wanted to motivate its residents to incorporate walking into their daily routines. To do this, the City launched its Fontana Walks program, with the goal of recording two billion steps taken by locals in a year, equaling roughly 1 million miles. Participants registered and received a pedometer and water bottle to help them get going. The City then held its inaugural community walk, which attracted with 100 participants, with hundreds more lacing up their shoes over the next few months. To keep the momentum going, the City created a website with tips and motivation for walkers. The City has continued to host monthly community walks, each featuring a theme.
Fullerton, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Addressing community health
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