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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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Seattle, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project spruced up the rooftop Pike Place Market Secret Garden, allowing volunteer gardeners to produce more fruits and vegetables there. All produce grown in the garden is provided to the Pike Market Food Bank, with nearly 500 fresh herbs and vegetables donated each year. In addition, the garden hosts intergenerational activities organized by a nearby assisted living facility, a childcare center and a preschool. The Pike Market Food Bank also received an AARP Community Challenge grant in 2019, which allowed it to install directional signage to help visitors find its hard-to-reach location. Established in 1982, the Pike Place Market Foundation aims to help low-income and unhoused Seattle residents who live in the neighborhood.
Chattanooga, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To turn an unused space into a community asset, ELLA Library created raised beds that allow older adults to garden comfortably. A retiree led the effort, and monthly events brought neighbors together to share skills and grow produce. The project sparked long-term plans for food solidarity and education, including partnerships to expand growing areas and provide ongoing support. The initiative laid the foundation for a sustainable, intergenerational gardening program.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Chariton, IA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The library sought to turn unused land into an accessible outdoor space for learning and social connection, but the site lacked features for older adults and people with mobility challenges. With grant funding, the library purchased two accessible tables and outdoor light post/charging stations for a planned sensory garden. Benches were donated, and design work began with local students and master gardeners. The plans include barrier-free entrances, a sidewalk and a storywalk to encourage engagement. These additions aim to create a welcoming space for older residents and foster intergenerational learning.
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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