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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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Pine Bluff, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Uneven surfaces and limited seating made it hard for older adults to enjoy gardening and wellness activities. To improve access, the organization installed an asphalt driveway and secondary parking area, repaired sidewalks and added ergonomic seating options. These changes created a safer, more welcoming space for gatherings and programs like Yoga in the Garden. The upgrades also sparked plans for new fitness events and attracted donors and volunteers, strengthening the garden's role as a hub for health and community connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Newark, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To tackle food insecurity and urban blight, Unstoppable Girls Foundation improved two community gardens and launched an intergenerational program pairing older adults with youth. They shared gardening skills while more than 30 youngsters learned to plant, prune and embrace healthy eating. The effort fostered teamwork and pride, with nearly all participants reporting better physical and mental well-being. One volunteer reflected, "Gardening is one of the most rewarding activities for youngsters and senior citizens."
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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