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Wilmington Renaissance Corporation (2019) Print
2019 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
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.
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Newport, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Newport residents lacked outdoor space for gardening and socializing, especially older adults in nearby housing. To address this, the town converted an unused parcel into a community garden with fencing, ADA-compliant walkways and raised beds for 20 families. Volunteers helped prepare the site, creating a space where residents can grow food and flowers, connect with neighbors and enjoy the outdoors. Located near senior housing, the garden offers accessible opportunities for older adults and will host events and donate crops to local food programs.
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.
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."
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
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: 2021
Project Category: Bikeability
Description: West Center City is a predominantly Black neighborhood in Wilmington which has historically lacked bicycle infrastructure. To give people a place to park their bikes, Wilmington Alliance installed three new art racks in central areas -- an upgrade from the single bicycle rack that once served the whole neighborhood. Local artists designed Art Racks, with each rack's look highlighting the community's rich history. Project organizers say the racks not only add a secure place to lock up bike but add a sculptural element all can enjoy. They are installed in community gathering spaces, including at greenspaces and community centers.
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