Photo Credit: George Sleischmann
A seed planted by a park board member in Grand Prairie, Texas, produced not only fruits and vegetables, but a collaborative program that allowed seniors an opportunity to share their knowledge with children who then have a chance to get dirty learning about the food they consume.
Intergenerational Gardening Pals developed a partnership among the recreation programming staff, summer campers, the department’s arborist/horticulturist, and the Summit 50+ Active Adult Center. The program was designed to increase environmental awareness among summer campers, who range in age from 5 to 15, and to develop multigenerational relationships that offer opportunities for learning.
Sharing Knowledge Across Generations
The Summit is the city’s newest state-of-the-art 50+ active adult center. Members who take part in the Summit Garden Club do so as one of their hobbies and for exercise. Research has proven that for some, gardening is preferred over other forms of fitness activities because of the reduced stress and pressure compared to other physical activities. Gardening has proven to produce positive results through physical activity and mental agility. The garden club began five years ago when the facility was built, which also includes a greenhouse. Working with the Summit Manager, Linda Long, some members worked to expand programming to grow produce—not only for themselves—but to provide a healthier product for the members in the Summit’s Nutrition Program.