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Riverside Garden Opens New ADA-Compliant Unity Garden in Wichita

AARP

Published April 28, 2026

Community members, local leaders, and partners gathered at Riverside Garden in Wichita to celebrate the opening of a new ADA-compliant Unity Garden—an inclusive space designed to help people of all ages and abilities stay active, connected, and engaged through gardening.

Designed for Access, Connection, and Community

The Unity Garden was made possible through a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge grant, part of AARP’s nationwide initiative supporting quick-action projects that make neighborhoods more livable—especially for people age 50 and older.

Improvements at Riverside Garden include:

New accessible sidewalks
A raised, ADA-compliant garden bed
Seating areas for rest and conversation
Ergonomic gardening tools to reduce strain and improve comfort

Together, these features help remove physical barriers and invite more people to participate in gardening and community activities.

“AARP Kansas is proud to support projects that help people stay active, connected, and engaged as they age,” said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas state director. “The opening of the Unity Garden shows how thoughtful design can remove barriers and invite more neighbors to enjoy a shared community space.”

A Shared Vision Brought to Life

Leaders from Riverside Garden emphasized that the Unity Garden reflects the power of collaboration and shared purpose.

“This garden reflects what can happen when partners come together around a shared goal,” said Emily Judson, president of Riverside Garden. “The Unity Garden allows more people to garden side by side, learn from one another, and feel a sense of belonging in this space.”

Now open to the public, the Unity Garden will serve as a welcoming space for neighbors to grow food, build relationships, and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of gardening.

About the AARP Community Challenge

Now in its ninth year, the AARP Community Challenge has funded projects in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—supporting safer, more inclusive public spaces that improve quality of life for people of all ages.

To learn more about AARP’s work creating livable communities, visit aarp.org/livable.