Contributed by Marlene Munsell
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI) is the recipient of the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant. This was a very competitive year, our project stood out among the 3,200 applications nationwide, said Marlene Munsell WASI CEO. The project included creating a new garden area and the purchase of eight benches. In keeping with our mission this project will encourage seniors to stay active, reduce isolation, and promote independence. The benches provide a safe resting place for seniors to enjoy the park, trail, gardens, and outdoor spaces at the WASI campus. For seniors, knowing that benches will be in place takes the fear out of not being able to walk the entire distance. Benches encourage more frequent use of our outdoor spaces, they allow for social interaction, and visiting with fellow peers.
We planted six apple trees, numerous berry bushes and twenty-two garden planters. While the garden planters were finished late summer and the benches arrived early fall, seniors are looking forward to utilizing the gardens next year. Everyone was excited when the benches arrived.
All of us at WASI are grateful to our volunteers that helped us complete this amazing project. Over 100 hours of volunteer time and financial support from AARP, TOTE, and MSHF.
