AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Rooted in Wyoming (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Veterans at the Sheridan VA struggled to access a therapeutic garden because uneven terrain and heat made gardening unsafe for those with mobility challenges. The project installed more than 500 feet of ADA-compliant concrete paths, raised beds at accessible heights and a retractable shade system. Volunteers and VA staff also hosted workshops and a garden symposium to engage veterans. These upgrades created a fully accessible space that supports physical activity, mental health and food security, ensuring older veterans can garden safely for years to come. One participant, who is a veteran, said that he didn't realize how much he would love gardening, and now has a passion for it.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Clarksville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Rapid growth and shrinking lot sizes left many residents without space or knowledge to grow food, while obesity and inactivity rates underscored the need for healthy, social activities. The county converted a 7,500-square-foot plot into an ADA-accessible community garden with raised beds, tools and a shed. It hosted volunteer events in the new space to teach planting and food preparation. The garden now serves as an educational hub where families and older adults learn sustainable gardening and share meals. Partnerships with schools and master gardeners will sustain events and programs. "This project has shown me the energy and will of the community," said one organizer, reflecting its role in reducing isolation and fostering connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Laramie, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in Laramie lacked accessible spaces for gardening and social connection. Age-Friendly Laramie transformed unused property at the Eppson Center into a welcoming garden with raised beds, a wheelchair-accessible picnic table and a storage shed. Volunteers added a colorful mural and helped plant, water and harvest herbs and vegetables for meals at the center. The garden now offers fresh produce and a safe place to gather, with plans for pathways and expanded beds. One longtime resident said gardening again "brought back memories" and gave him a sense of purpose.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Mattapan, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults and residents with mobility challenges faced hazards and limited access at two Boston community gardens. A collapsed walkway created unsafe conditions, and deteriorated raised beds prevented those with physical limitations from gardening. The Trustees repaired the walkway by filling a sinkhole and installing a wide, level brick path at Southwest Corridor Community Farm. At Savin & Maywood Community Garden, they demolished broken beds and built four new handicapped-accessible raised beds with help from volunteers. Residents expressed gratitude, noting the upgrades made the gardens welcoming for "gardeners of all ages and abilities."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Sheridan, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Heritage Towers set out to give older adults a place to grow fresh food and spend time outside, addressing the lack of accessible spaces for residents with limited income and mobility. The team built raised beds, added sturdy outdoor seating and organized planting events that helped tenants grow vegetables, herbs and flowers. The harvest supported shared meals that brought people together and encouraged more time on the patio. Tenants said the garden reminded them of growing food when they were younger, and many began volunteering to start seeds for next year. The project prompted more outdoor activity, strengthened social ties and laid the groundwork for a lasting source of fresh produce and connection for residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Sheridan, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Supporting family caregivers
Description: Caregivers in Sheridan often face overwhelming responsibilities without clear guidance. Holy Name addressed this by hosting workshops on topics like legal planning, home health care and end-of-life decisions paired with respite care and shared meals. Volunteers organized sessions featuring expert advice and caregiver stories and provided resource books. "These workshops have been a blessing to me and so many in our community," one participant said. Plans include expanding the model statewide through guidebooks and training.
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
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 Wyoming State Office
1800 Carey Ave
Suite 400
Cheyenne, WY 82001
United States