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2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Older adults and residents with mobility challenges faced hazards and limited access at two Boston community gardens. A collapsed walkway created unsafe conditions, and deteriorated raised beds prevented those with physical limitations from gardening. The Trustees repaired the walkway by filling a sinkhole and installing a wide, level brick path at Southwest Corridor Community Farm. At Savin & Maywood Community Garden, they demolished broken beds and built four new handicapped-accessible raised beds with help from volunteers. Residents expressed gratitude, noting the upgrades made the gardens welcoming for "gardeners of all ages and abilities."
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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Clarksville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Rapid growth and shrinking lot sizes left many residents without space or knowledge to grow food, while obesity and inactivity rates underscored the need for healthy, social activities. The county converted a 7,500-square-foot plot into an ADA-accessible community garden with raised beds, tools and a shed. It hosted volunteer events in the new space to teach planting and food preparation. The garden now serves as an educational hub where families and older adults learn sustainable gardening and share meals. Partnerships with schools and master gardeners will sustain events and programs. "This project has shown me the energy and will of the community," said one organizer, reflecting its role in reducing isolation and fostering connection.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Cleveland, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority saw an opportunity to revitalize an abandoned volleyball court behind one of their public housing buildings, creating a space to bring residents together and address social isolation. Using input from the residents of Riverview Tower, an apartment building for low-income older adults, they created a garden where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables. The garden has places to sit and features accessibility features for residents with mobility challenges. Additionally, the space includes sensory areas, which allow visitors to smell, touch and taste herbs, fruits and berries.
Columbus, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The International Harvest Garden lacked shade and seating, leaving gardeners age 50-plus and families without a comfortable place to rest or gather. The project added a picnic table with side access for mobility aids, a shade trellis and improved walkways for easier navigation. These upgrades will support cultural events and reduce isolation, with volunteers saying the changes will make the garden "a sanctuary as well as a place of growth and education."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Worcester, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: Older adults in Worcester faced isolation and lacked confidence in cycling, limiting active transportation options. MassBike launched an intergenerational program with five workshops and five group rides, pairing older adults with youth to build skills and social connections. Sessions covered bike safety and barriers, while rides included themed events like a Halloween ride and a trip to the ballpark. The program strengthened advocacy for safer infrastructure and expanded partnerships for future cycling initiatives. One participant said "It was so nice to see people from all different age groups coming together."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Boston, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage walking, Boston installed benches in Main Street neighborhood districts across the city. Older adults tested and approved the benches and worked with the City to identify the best locations for them. The initiative's guiding principle was that making walking safe and comfortable for older adults creates a better environment for people of all ages. Project organizers report residents were eager to use the new benches. In fact, as Department of Public Works staff were finishing up an installation, a few people were often waiting to take a seat. The benches contribute to vibrant public spaces near businesses and merchants say they appreciate the increased foot traffic. Project organizers say the installations helped develop a city-wide framework for a sustainable bench program, addressing installation and long-term maintenance.
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