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2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
A neglected garden limited opportunities for older adults and caregivers to connect and enjoy outdoor activities. The project revitalized the space with raised beds for accessibility. It also partnered with master gardeners, Boy Scouts and nonprofits to bring volunteers for maintenance and education. Residents learned to plant and harvest produce, turning the garden into a place to sit, talk and share experiences. One participant said, "Thanks for teaching me how to garden this summer. I had no idea how much fun it was. I can't wait to teach my grandkids next summer." Plans include expanding beds and hosting community events to strengthen ties.
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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Portsmouth, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents of Atlantic Heights Senior Housing faced barriers to fresh food and outdoor activity, leaving many isolated. Gather partnered with the housing authority to build four raised garden beds, install a watering system and provide seasonal plants. Twenty residents helped plan, plant and maintain vegetables, herbs and flowers. The gardens now offer a sustainable source of produce, improve nutrition and foster social connection while removing mobility barriers. Success has inspired plans for gardening workshops and expansion to other housing sites.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Ketchikan, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Rendezvous Senior Day Service turned part of its parking lot into a thriving garden to combat isolation and promote wellness among older adults. Six raised beds and more than 100 flower containers made gardening accessible, while volunteers and other participants planted vegetables and native Haida potatoes. Intergenerational activities brought local children to help with seed planting, creating bonds across ages. The garden became a peaceful retreat for reflection and recovery. It has hosted community picnics and drew visitors from near and far. Participants reported improved health and socialization, proving the space is more than a garden-it's a catalyst for connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Highland Heights, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults lacked access to fresh produce and social connection, so the center built two raised garden beds and launched gardening classes with donated soil and seeds. Participants planted fall crops, learned pest control and harvesting, and joined cooking sessions using their own produce. One new participant said she was "excited to join" because raised beds made gardening accessible and offered a chance to "connect with so many other seniors," improving her health and social life.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Center Township, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Edna Martin Christian Center set out to provide food access, recreation options and income opportunities for residents of the Martindale-Brightwood area by creating a new urban garden space. To extend the growing season, project organizers built a hoop house at its Henry Blair Farm and Urban Gardens. The Center installed raised garden beds at the site, designed for gardeners to use while standing. New walking paths also ensured the gardens' accessibility. In addition, the Center created a labyrinth for prayer and medication, as well as a farm stand made from a repurposed shipping container. Project organizers envision residents using the beds for entrepreneurial projects, such as growing flowers or vegetable seedlings to sell at the farm stand. They also anticipate the gardens' operation needs will create employment opportunities for local older adults.
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will conduct four walk audits at nine intersections to identify sidewalk and crosswalk improvement needs. Older volunteers from senior housing will participate.
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