AARP Pennsylvania, Partners, Tour South Philadelphia Gardens

AARP joined Neighborhood Gardens Trust, Feet First Philly, and Clean Air Council on Saturday, June 8 for a tour of five community gardens in the Point Breeze section of South Philadelphia.

Beginning at the 15th Street Garden and making their way to 22nd Street, those in attendance – including local AARP volunteers – heard from Neighborhood Gardens Trust and Feet First Philly representatives about garden preservation, route walkability, and the role that open green spaces like these play in the pedestrian environment.

Along the route, AARP volunteers and staff had the opportunity to speak about creating more open spaces for older adults and how to best connect with the community.

“Issues like preserving green spaces and walkability are key components of AARP’s Livable Communities agenda, and we regularly participate in events like this one,” said AARP Pennsylvania Associate State Director of Community Outreach Yocasta Lora. “Green, walkable communities provide connectivity across generations and help residents stay healthy as they age in place. We’re proud to work with groups like Neighborhood Gardens Trust, Feet First Philly and Clean Air Council to preserve green spaces around Philadelphia and look forward to more preserved spaces like these ones.”

During the event, those in attendance were joined by Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, a Point Breeze resident. Johnson spoke about the positive impact of green spaces and how they can be a catalyst for social change.