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
Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will improve accessibility for older adults by widening and leveling paths, adding solar lighting, and providing internet access. These upgrades will enhance safety and support community meetings.
Bristol, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in Bristol faced isolation and lacked accessible outdoor spaces for social interaction and wellness activities. The board created a vibrant outdoor area with ADA-compliant benches, raised garden beds and historical mural panels with QR codes. In addition, a digital historical repository and a veterans memorial were created, and LED lighting and signage were added to make the space safe and welcoming. The project fostered community pride and provided a gathering place for older adults and residents of all ages. It sparked interest in preserving local history and inspired plans for additional improvements, serving as a model for other rural towns.
Reno, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Many of Reno's Native residents have limited access to fresh produce. To provide nutritious food to local families, the Center for Healthy Aging concerted a vacant lot into an intergenerational, indigenous community garden. The Center wanted to ensure the space was accessible and welcoming, so it installed ADA-compliant benches, raised garden beds and LED lighting in the space. Today, the garden hosts programming for people of all ages, including culinary classes, culturally relevant gardening instruction and a harvest festival.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Sheridan, WY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will create a patio garden with flowers, vegetables, and seating to promote well-being for tenants and the community. It will provide fresh vegetables, enhance socialization, and offer a relaxing space for older adults.
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.
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