Henderson, NV

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project created Henderson's first public community garden. Originally a demonstration garden with six raised beds, the City converted the plot at Heritage Park Senior Facility the guidance of Garden Farms of Nevada, whose mission is to help desert communities learn how to grow their own food. Improvements included new drip-irrigation tubing and fresh topsoil. Project organizers say a key goal was fostering community and giving older adults a change to socialize. In February 2020, the City held a planting party. After that, older adults began to meet at the garden, where they learned to grow produce to share with their neighbors. Although gardening activity paused during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City was able to harvest and donate crops to Henderson's Senior Grocery Program, which distributed the produce to local older adults.

Rye Brook, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Many older residents faced food insecurity as pre-made meals became costly and often spoiled, leaving those in low-income housing without reliable nutrition. The Village transformed an unused patio into a handicapped-accessible Giving Garden with raised beds and seating, enabling volunteers to grow fresh vegetables and herbs. Older adults now receive free produce and enjoy a welcoming space for meals and socializing. The garden also offers therapeutic benefits. One participant shared that she reminisced about gardening with her father as she worked in the new garden, and was already committed to working in the garden next spring.

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

Estes Park, CO

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project made improvements to the Estes Valley Community Garden. The EVCG added six raised garden beds to make planting and harvesting comfortable for older gardeners and those with physical limitations. Project organizers also constructed a green waste storage box, which allows gardeners to toss their weeds rather than carry them home. Additionally, gardeners and visitors benefit from a new handwashing station, installed to increase safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project contributed to EVCG's ongoing efforts to donate plots and produce to a local food bank. Project organizers report the improvements attracted partners to the EVGC's new diversity initiative.