See More Projects Like This One

Laramie, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Food insecurity is high in Laramie, with many residents lacking access to healthy, fresh produce. To increase food access, Action Resources International created a community garden. They considered the needs of older adults and people with mobility challenges when designing the space, adding accessible, raised garden beds onsite. The beds allow people in wheelchairs -- as well as those who find kneeling uncomfortable -- to tend to the plots. Project organizers hope the new garden provides learning opportunities for West Laramie residents and helps ease reliance on processed food.

San Antonio, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Older adults needed better access to fresh food, active learning and social connection. Gardopia launched a community garden at the Senior Center, engaging 43 participants in hands-on installation, offering eight classes, wellness activities and installing raised beds with irrigation. Two participants completed an intensive master class to lead peers as the garden matures. A field visit to the microfarm boosted confidence and connection, and the garden will reach full productivity in Spring 2026 to support ongoing food access and active aging.

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

Long Beach, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: In Long Beach, older adults lacked spaces for cultural connection in a neighborhood marked by poverty and pollution. Placemaking US built a traditional communal comal using techniques developed long ago, and hosted tortilla-making workshops where elders taught masa preparation. More than 100 participants, including local chefs and volunteers, joined intergenerational sessions that celebrated heritage and sustainability. The project created lasting programming at Rancho Los Cerritos, turning it into a hub for cultural exchange and reducing isolation. One participant shared, "I didn't realize how much I missed this until I felt the heat from the comal and smelled the fresh masa."

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

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Newport, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Improved wayfinding

Description: Since the area's mills and industrial plants shut down, Newport's economy has struggled to recover. To attract visitors, the Town of Newport is working to rebrand itself Newport as a recreational destination for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. To support these efforts, the Town installed directional signs and kiosks on its trail system. The new amenities help visitors navigate and provide information about local activities. Organizers say the wayfinding improvements made the trail system more accommodating to an influx of visitors seeking out safe, outdoor recreation during COVID-19 pandemic.

Claremont, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Walk audits will assess the safety of a planned downtown art walk route. The findings will guide remediation planning for sidewalks, paths and intersections.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP New Hampshire State Office

45 South Main Street
Suite 202
Concord, NH 03301
United States

Phone: 866-542-8168
Fax: 603-224-6212
Email: [email protected]