AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Opa-locka Community Development Corporation (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
For Opa-Locka residents, the closest supermarket is more than a mile away, making fresh produce in this low-income community hard to come by. The Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation conducted an extensive community engagement process to determine what kinds of fresh produce the community needed most. They then responded by planting 14 fruit trees -- as well as herbs -- in the common area of a multifamily residential development. The CDC also installed lighting, benches and other amenities in the space, allowing residents to gather there.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Tacoma, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The community garden will add drip irrigation and ADA accessible seating. These upgrades will improve access for older gardeners, conserve water and increase the amount of fresh food for the local food pantry.
Kansas City, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: An underused green space will be improved with raised garden beds, benches, tables and a shade structure. These updates will make it easier for neighbors, especially adults age 50-plus, to garden, rest and gather comfortably outdoors.
Newark, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Newark's Central Ward struggles with food insecurity, leaving older adults and families without access to fresh produce. To address this, the organization expanded a school-based garden at Louise A. Spencer Elementary, adding beds designed for older adults and providing adaptive tools. Residents now maintain the garden during summer, ensuring sustainability and fostering intergenerational ties. One student said gardening with his grandmother "reminds him of his dad and helps him feel close to his culture."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Hialeah, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Older adults walking near City Hall faced stressful crossings where traffic volume and limited visibility made it difficult to cross safely. For residents who rely on walking or public transportation, these conditions reduced confidence and limited routine trips. The City of Hialeah improved several crosswalks along a key corridor by increasing visibility and clarifying where pedestrians should cross. The work focused on making crossings easier to see and navigate for older adults moving between housing, civic buildings and nearby services. One longtime resident who uses a walker shared that the brighter crosswalks made the street feel less intimidating and safer to manage. The changes helped older adults move more comfortably through the area and continue everyday activities with greater confidence.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hialeah, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Recurring guided neighborhood walks will engage residents in observing street conditions and pedestrian safety. These walks will help older adults share feedback and support the development of safer walking routes.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect 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 Florida State Office
360 N. Central Avenue
Suite 1750
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
United States
Phone: 866-595-7678
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]