Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages

To co-create a publication that provides useful tools and precedence for creating community gardens for all ages.

Announcements

Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages is now available for order in print and as a PDF download. Click here to access the guide and order your copy.  

Community gardens are a powerful community development and placemaking initiative as they can bolster civic participation, activate public space, and help new relationships take root. Community gardens help the environment by fostering green spaces, absorbing stormwater and mitigating urban heat island effects. Community gardens are also positive outdoor gathering spaces that can and should be welcoming for people of all ages and abilities. 

In addition, community gardens can: 

• Help forge connections and bonds across generations, incomes, races and cultures 

• Improve the physical, mental and emotional health of residents by reducing social isolation, promoting activity and providing healthy foods 

• Be a tool for revitalizing neighborhoods and downtown districts, enhancing public safety, raising property values, and incentivizing the creation of new, pedestrian- and bike-friendly developments 

• Serve as outdoor classrooms for learning about nature and teaching practical skills to children as well as adults 

With the publication of Community Gardens for All Ages, AARP Livable Communities and 8 80 Cities have come together to highlight the importance of community gardens while providing tools and precedence to build a garden in your own community! 

Community Gardens for All Ages highlights many stand-out communities, including the Florence Fang Community Garden, which is built on top of the Caltrain Tunnel and has produced more than 1,000 pounds of produce shared with local families and seniors in need.

Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages is now available for order in print and as a PDF download. Click here to access the guide and order your copy.