Barb, an 83-year-old woman, is currently facing the challenges of loneliness and isolation in rural Central Michigan, three hours away from her family. She is planning to relocate to Ann Arbor, Michigan. After the passing of her husband, Barb's main sources of interaction have dwindled. Her sense of connection primarily comes through sporadic iPad communications with her family, who are not frequently available, and the occasional visits from her neighbors. With limited social contact, Barb struggles with declining health which is exacerbated by her solitude. Her move to Ann Arbor represents hope for increased social interaction and community support, addressing her challenges with loneliness, isolation, and her health.

To create a new program and space for Barb, who, along with her late husband, used to engage college students in landscaping and exterior house maintenance, we propose a community project in Ann Arbor, a college town. This project will involve a program where college students and the elderly collaborate on a common hobby. The initial phase includes setting up an urban garden, co-designed and maintained by local students, and involving various groups from Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Township.

The garden area will be located within existing community structures, strategically positioned between a hospice, a preschool, and a sports complex. This placement creates a unique meeting point for different community segments. Barb will be crucial in promoting this garden as a community ambassador, leveraging her social networks at her apartment complex and local community centers.

During this phase, the hospice will incorporate garden visits into its programs, offering residents nature-based therapy. The preschool will use the garden for educational and play activities, while its proximity to the sports complex provides a serene spot for athletes. This multi-faceted approach aims to establish the garden as a hub for community engagement and intergenerational wellness activities.

Near

In the second phase, our primary aim is to significantly expand the garden, enhancing both its physical space and the diversity of activities offered. This phase is marked by growth and extension, with a focus on creating diverse areas within the garden to cater to the varying interests and needs of all community members. For instance, we plan to introduce a peaceful, secluded area specifically designed for meditation and yoga, fostering a tranquil environment suitable for all ages. Another section of the garden, sunlit and vibrant, will be dedicated to therapeutic gardening. This will provide an enriching and nurturing experience for individuals of all ages to connect with nature, including special considerations for accessibility and ease of use for older participants.

This expansion phase also involves significantly broadening our program offerings, transforming the garden into a hub for new workshops focusing on community engagement. We aim to promote sustainable living and environmental education through these workshops, ensuring they are accessible and engaging for everyone. Wellness classes, such as Tai Chi and line dancing, will be adapted to accommodate the elderly and suitable for all fitness levels. Art therapy sessions and a variety of educational programs will also be introduced, covering topics from local flora and fauna to composting and organic gardening techniques. Our goal in this phase is to transform the garden into a space that is not only more inclusive but also diverse and educational, serving as a valuable resource to support positive aging for senior members and the entire community.

Far

In the third phase of our proposal, we aim to seamlessly integrate existing and future infrastructures within the community by establishing pocket parks near essential areas like healthcare facilities, libraries, local businesses, bus stops, and transportation hubs. These parks will be interconnected through a vast network of community gardens, spreading across the neighborhood to offer flexible engagement opportunities tailored to individual schedules and interests. Additionally, to counter Ann Arbor's extended colder months, we plan to establish greenhouse spaces for year-round programming, ensuring that these green spaces are not only accessible but also functional throughout the year, enhancing community well-being and environmental consciousness.