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Southeastern Community Action Partnership (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Many older adults in the region faced food insecurity and few chances to connect with others in a safe outdoor space. SCAP began building an accessible community garden by installing raised beds, completing water infrastructure, adding wildlife fencing and planting shade trees with help from volunteers. These steps created the foundation for a shared space where people of all ages and abilities can grow produce and learn gardening skills. During planting work, older adults from the nearby senior center stopped to ask questions, and one woman said the chance to volunteer and receive produce would make a real difference for her. The garden is expected to reduce isolation, improve access to fresh food and become a long-term hub for learning, connection and healthier living.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Columbus, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The International Harvest Garden lacked shade and seating, leaving gardeners age 50-plus and families without a comfortable place to rest or gather. The project added a picnic table with side access for mobility aids, a shade trellis and improved walkways for easier navigation. These upgrades will support cultural events and reduce isolation, with volunteers saying the changes will make the garden "a sanctuary as well as a place of growth and education."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Kansas City, KS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: New benches, signage and a replacement flagpole will be installed in a small neighborhood memorial park. These updates will make the space safer and support gardening, social gatherings and community activities.
Flint, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Genesee County struggles with food insecurity and chronic disease, challenges worsened by the pandemic and Flint's water crisis. To address these issues, the coalition expanded gardens at nine sites, adding accessible raised beds, farm fields and in-ground plots. Volunteers repaired a greenhouse and launched a countywide garden network to share resources and expertise. These efforts are creating lasting change by increasing access to fresh produce and safe outdoor activity for older adults. "We would like to have as much in the works as we can to grow big for spring... We have built a lot of excitement!" said a food pantry director.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Helper City, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Helper City Library's Dark Sky Observer Club is a group of predominately older adults with a passion for dark skies and astronomy. To encourage new residents to share in their love of outer space -- and to get help residents stay active -- the City of Helper created a Solar System walk along the local riverwalk. The one-mile path features a signpost for each planet in the Solar System, installed at intervals proportional to each planet's distance from the sun. Additionally, the signs display a QR codes, which link to audio recordings with more information about each planet. Organizers have divided the path into several smaller walks, including Mission to Mars and a comet's journey. Helper is a certified dark skies community and organizers hope the project helps educate visitors about the importance of containing light pollution.
Ephraim, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of community-wide efforts to improve parks and expand outdoor recreation opportunities, the City of Ephraim made improvements to an underused park. To create an accessible, inclusive space, the City purchased outdoor games for Pioneer Park. The games include concrete foosball and ping pong tables, a cornhole set and a ladder toss. Additionally, the City installed a table and seating in the space. Because the park is located in Ephraim's central business district, organizers hope the upgrades boost economic development in the area. Because many residents live below the poverty line, the improved park offers an important free recreation option. In the future, the City plans to construct accessible restroom facilities onsite.
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