Malden Awarded $425K Grant For Park And Playground Renovation

MALDEN, MA — The city announced that it has been awarded $425,000 in state grant funding that will be used to renovate the playground at Linden Park.

The playground, located at Linden STEAM Academy on 29 Westcott St., will receive updated play equipment, improvements to its layout and functionality, and increased accessibility for users of all abilities. According to the city, the project will add fencing, replace mulch with rubberized surfaces, plant new trees, and install a shade shelter and picnic tables. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2027.

The funding comes from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities Grant Program, which helps cities and towns create and renovate outdoor recreation areas. The project will be managed by the city’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, with Shadley Associates serving as the landscape architect. “The City of Malden is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their consistent and critical support of Malden park projects,” Mayor Gary Christenson said. “We are eager to upgrade Linden Park so that our students, families, and all of Malden can enjoy it for years to come.”

The city has held three virtual meetings and shared two surveys to present design concepts and collect community feedback, including input from Linden STEAM Academy students. Survey responses identified swings, climbing structures, spinners, shade, and slides among the most highly rated elements. Shade and comfort, physical challenges, and accessibility and inclusive play were also identified as priorities.

A preferred concept presented at a July 15 public meeting includes separate play areas for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12. The younger children’s area would feature a compact play structure with a slide, climbing features, and interactive panels, along with a nearby accessible picnic area and shade shelter. The older children’s area would include two connected climbing towers with slides, swings, and an inclusive spinner. Shadley Associates is currently preparing a final design.

The existing playground for younger children was installed in 2012, while equipment in the older children’s area was installed more than 15 years before the city’s design presentations. Project materials identified the existing wood-fiber surfaces as an accessibility concern, with rubberized surfacing planned for the renovated play areas. “With this funding we will bring much-needed improvements to the playground at Linden Park, which serves the Linden community and the whole city,” Ward 8 City Councillor Jadeane Sica said. “Following on the success of the Linden Rink project, the new playground will provide a modern facility for our children and families.”

See Also:

Work Begins On 20-Unit Affordable Housing Project In Malden

Malden Shooting Investigation Leads To Arrest

Malden Underpass Work To Bring Traffic Disruptions

Self-Driving Vehicle Company Leases Malden Property

Malden City Council Reviews Flock Cameras As Police Address Privacy Concerns