Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Activities that address social isolation and facilitate community connections

Description: In March 2020, the Delaware Children's Museum closed its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahead of Grandparents Day in September, museum staff developed a specialized online curriculum for grandparents (and the grand at heart -- those who aren't officially grandparents but serve the in the role). Project organizers distributed 300 You're Grand activity bags at the museum's drive-through and at a local community center. Each bag included instructions for remote activities for connecting with grandchildren online or over the phone.

Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: As part of its efforts to turn several vacant lots into the 7th and West Streets Park, the Wilmington Alliance (then known as the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation) created a community garden onsite. The Alliance constructed a storage shed and raised-bed gardens, along with two beds for blueberry and raspberry bushes. The shed has lighting, a community bulletin board and a countertop workspace for gardeners. To offer gardeners expertise and support, project organizers also recruited a neighbor to serve as farmer-in-residence. During planning for the new park -- located on a remediated brownfield site -- residents specifically requested a vegetable garden. Today, the garden makes up one-third of the park. "The green space has become a staple in the community, and the neighbors have embraced the opportunities the garden presents," said Laura Semmelroth, director of creative placemaking.