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Town of Fries (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Older adult residents in Fries faced limited access to fresh produce and few opportunities for physical activity, often having to choose between healthy food and fitness. The town transformed an empty lot beside the farmers market into a garden with six raised beds, landscaping and ADA-compliant benches. Materials for soil and tools were purchased to prepare for spring planting. The project sparked excitement among group members, creating a space for social engagement and healthier eating. Plans include annual expansion and community fundraisers. One participant noted the garden will help them stay active and afford nutritious food.
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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Raymond, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Raymond Village Library hoped to create an accessible community amenity to foster intergenerational relationships. So they worked to create a community garden. Volunteers installed benches, shade structures and solar lighting, as well as a graded path and waist-high planters designed to be accessible for gardeners with disabilities. To make garden upkeep easier, they also added rain barrels and a drip irrigation system.
St. Louis, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
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Ranson, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To create a welcoming space for older adults and foster intergenerational engagement, Ranson Community Gardens added a micro-orchard with 10 native fruit trees, a berry patch and a patio with seating. Informational signage and a nearby parking area improved accessibility, and two community events introduced the orchard to residents. The space now hosts classes and social gatherings, helping older adults connect with neighbors and nature. At a tree planting event, one longtime resident said he planned to bring his grandchildren and would think of the project every time he saw his new tree.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Grayson County, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Addressing community health
Description: Many residents of rural Grayson County lack internet access. To help them get information about the COVID-19 pandemic, Grayson County set up a phone hotline staffed by older adult volunteers. The service helped callers find out how to apply for financial assistance, where to find face masks or how to get help acquiring food or medicine. The County Emergency Services Coordinator trained the volunteers, ensuring they had accurate information during the pandemic's onset. Project organizers made sure the service was available 24 hours a day, with three shifts of volunteers available for calls and software to manage phone queues. The initiative's success spurred the Emergency Services Coordinator to commit funding to continue the helpline for future emergency situations.
Mount Airy, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Market Street lacked accessible seating and amenities, limiting its appeal for older adults and reducing opportunities for social interaction. The city installed picnic tables, two fully accessible benches, bike racks, recycling containers and decorative lighting to create a welcoming plaza. These upgrades encourage outdoor dining, leisure and mobility for people of all ages. Residents and business owners praised the changes for making the area more inviting. The city plans to promote the space for festivals and events, ensuring continued use and intergenerational appeal.
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