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Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization Inc. (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
To combat food insecurity, improve neighborhood safety and encourage residents to spend time outdoors, this project enhanced an existing community garden. Over several community work days volunteers installed raised beds, benches, a picnic table and portable toilet facilities. Organizers hope the improvements make the garden more accessible to people of all ages -- including older adults living in nearby apartment complexes.
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Ranson, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To create a welcoming space for older adults and foster intergenerational engagement, Ranson Community Gardens added a micro-orchard with 10 native fruit trees, a berry patch and a patio with seating. Informational signage and a nearby parking area improved accessibility, and two community events introduced the orchard to residents. The space now hosts classes and social gatherings, helping older adults connect with neighbors and nature. At a tree planting event, one longtime resident said he planned to bring his grandchildren and would think of the project every time he saw his new tree.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Lawrence, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents in an affordable housing community faced food insecurity and limited access to gardening. Home Works USA improved its garden by adding raised beds for accessibility, installing fencing to deter deer and hosting a free indoor farmers market for older adults and neighbors. Volunteers of all ages worked together, sharing skills and building relationships. The upgrades created a safer, more inviting space for intergenerational gardening and fresh food distribution. One volunteer commented that he and others were excited to finally get back to gardening again.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Moab, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in Moab wanted to volunteer in the community garden but faced discomfort with tasks like weeding. The project purchased kneeling mats, mobile benches and other tools to make gardening easier and hosted Weed n Feed events where volunteers worked together and shared meals. These changes opened the door for more older adults to participate, fostering social connections and encouraging physical activity. Organizers expect the improvements to help reduce isolation and keep volunteers coming back.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: Facing an aging population and rising housing costs, Roanoke updated zoning to allow accessory dwelling units but needed to build awareness. The city partnered with AIA Blue Ridge for a design competition that produced four pre-approved ADU plans, an online design book and a resource website. Workshops and an awards event showcased universal design and aging-in-place strategies. Residents are now exploring ADU construction using these plans, a shift expected to add new units each year and help older adults stay in their neighborhoods.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: When a nearby bridge closed, Ferdinand Avenue became the only route to the Roanoke River Greenway, forcing heavy traffic onto streets already unsafe for walkers and bikers. Wide intersections and no crosswalks made conditions especially risky for older adults. PedalSafe ROA responded with artistic pavement markings and temporary barriers at three intersections, slowing cars and improving visibility. Volunteers painted nearly 7,000 square feet of art and the city committed to a permanent mini-roundabout. Residents report safer crossings and stronger community ties. "This project was exciting because of all of the people that it brought together... and the way that it created a better and more beautiful corridor," said PedalSafe's chairperson.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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