See More Projects Like This One

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.

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.

Omaha, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: To activate a city-owned vacant lot in North Omaha, the City of Omaha installed accessible planters -- built by a local community gardening organization -- that accommodate gardening from a standing or sitting position. A local artist worked with local elementary school children, helping them create murals depicting their aspirations. In addition, the project included a community chalk wall, where residents can leave inspiring messages. To improve a nearby bus stop, the City purchased installed benches. The art and new outdoor furnishings were in pace in time for a fall festival at the site, which organizers hope will occur annually.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Farmington, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: This project activated a breezeway in downtown Farmington. The city-owned space was long unused -- it sits in the footprint of a building that burned to the ground in 1914. But since it conveniently connects a parking lot to the town's Main Street, project organizers saw its potential as a convenient passthrough and gathering space. By installing solar-powered string lights, setting out seating and tables and creating a mural on an adjacent building, the City created a pocket park. The city plans to continue to add to the space, creating more seating out of wood from a beloved blue spruce that died and installing raised planter beds. Organizers say they also envision bringing community activities to the pocket park.

Farmington, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: The Art in the Alley project will cover the exterior walls of several downtown businesses with murals and historic images, creating a pedestrian walkway.

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