Malden Awarded $400K Grant To Improve Trafton Park

MALDEN, MA — The Malden Redevelopment Authority recently won a $400,000 grant for improvements at Trafton Park on Granite Street. The amount is the maximum awarded under the state's competitive Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program, according to Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides.

The money will be used for the first phase of improvements under the new Trafton Park Master Plan, which was developed through a series of community meetings in 2018 and 2019. The Master Plan includes an upgraded baseball field, a new U8 soccer field, expanded play areas for children of all ages, a multi-use play court, a challenge course designed for teens and pre-teens, improvements to the existing dog park, a plaza for community concerts and events, a paved walking path encircling the park and other features.

The PARC grant will go toward constructing Phase I improvements, which includes expanding play areas, upgrading the ball field, addressing accessibility concerns, and other needs.

"This grant is a major win for our city and is the result of an intensive team effort and great community partnerships," Mayor Gary Christenson said in a statement. "This grant will help us make Trafton Park a more welcoming and accessible park for residents of all ages and abilities and help us continue to move Malden forward for everyone."

The MRA, working with City Councilors Dave Camell and Steve Winslow, is also applying for Community Preservation Act funds to complete the Trafton Park Phase I project.