See More Projects Like This One

Ellington, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Seasonal gardening left older adults without access to fresh produce or the social and health benefits of tending plants. To address this, the town built a 10x16 greenhouse at the local Senior Center, creating year-round opportunities for gardening and learning. Volunteers installed shelving and padding, and seniors began growing vegetables for the center's lunch program and local food pantries. The greenhouse now serves as a hub for workshops and social connection. One gardener said the space encouraged her to use available transportation, helping her engage more in community life.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Grand Rapids, MI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Long Michigan winters left older adults at Reflections Apartments isolated and unable to garden, a key source of connection and activity. Dwelling Place built an ADA-compliant greenhouse through five volunteer events, engaging many community members and local partners. The space extends the growing season and supports a seed-starting program led by residents. Older adults now plan to grow culturally relevant vegetables and share stories tied to gardening traditions, turning the greenhouse into a year-round hub for wellness and social connection.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Rugby, ND

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: To help Rugby's residents access fresh produce, the Geographical Center Historical Society worked to turn an underused outdoor space into a fruit orchard. The space sits on the campus of the Prairie Village Museum, which is located in a food desert. To activate the space, Society reseeded the grass and planted fruit trees and shrubs. They also installed ADA-accessible park benches, tables and bike racks. Project organizers plan to invite students to the orchard for demonstrations on techniques for picking, washing and preserving the fruits.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: Alaska faces a fast-growing older population and a shortage of affordable housing, yet many municipalities lack ordinances for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). To address this, the league researched statewide policies, created a best practices guide and ordinance template, and shared strategies through targeted outreach. The effort prompted interest from local leaders, with communities planning ADU ordinances and requesting technical assistance. "We loved having an easy-to-read publication that was Alaska specific", one council member said, underscoring how the project simplified complex housing issues and accelerated local action.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Juneau, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Uneven terrain kept visitors with mobility challenges from exploring the public garden, limiting older adults' access to nature and scenic views. The group built an ADA-compliant path of precast pavers leading to a bench overlooking the gardens and ocean. They also added wide steps to manage slope. Volunteers landscaped adjoining beds, and a ribbon-cutting drew 75 guests, including wheelchair and walker users. The path is a permanent improvement that opens the arboretum to residents and strengthens community ties. One guest said, "To have the arboretum now be a place which I can easily access in my wheelchair and feel truly welcome is a wonderful gift."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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