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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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Jackson, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Older adults in Jackson lacked accessible ways to learn about healthy eating and gardening, leaving many disconnected from fresh food options. Grow Jackson responded by creating a garden program at a local community center, offering classes on nutrition, gardening and food saving. Participants gained hands-on experience with plants and shared knowledge in a welcoming space. The effort strengthened social ties and sparked plans for expanded programming next summer, ensuring continued engagement and healthier habits.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Stone Mountain, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Immigrant and refugee growers in Stone Mountain needed better resources and infrastructure to farm collectively. The grant funded upgrades at two sites-Indian Creek MARTA Station Farm and North Dekalb Mall Garden-adding land improvements, garden tools, seed bins and picnic tables. These enhancements created safer, more functional spaces for older adults and strengthened community engagement. Both gardens are now part of long-term plans, including a partnership with Atlanta's transit authority and integration into a major mixed-use redevelopment. This helps position growers to sell produce locally and sustain food access.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Roanoke, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To combat food insecurity, improve neighborhood safety and encourage residents to spend time outdoors, this project enhanced an existing community garden. Over several community work days volunteers installed raised beds, benches, a picnic table and portable toilet facilities. Organizers hope the improvements make the garden more accessible to people of all ages -- including older adults living in nearby apartment complexes.
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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