Tree Work Underway Ahead Of Melrose Park And Playground Renovation

The city began its renovation of this playground with this large first step.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 27, 2026 3:11 PM EDT | Updated Aug 27, 2026 3:34 PM EDT

The tree sat in the middle of the fenced playground. (Malgorzata Symons)

MELROSE, MA — Tree work is being completed at Common Park to prepare for a planned renovation that will replace playground equipment for children ages 5 to 12.

The city's Public Works Forestry Division is completing the necessary tree work ahead of construction. Work on the play structure itself is expected to begin as early as the week of Sept. 21 and take approximately three to six weeks.

"The tree work at Common Park is being completed today to prepare for a planned play structure replacement at the playground," Melrose Communications and Events Manager Thomas Dalton told Patch. "This project will replace the 5-to-12 age group equipment at Common Park, and is funded thanks to last year's override referendum approved by Melrose voters."

The city is considered multiple designs for the new structure. (Thomas Dalton)

At least one tree was removed as part of the preparation work.

"It looked healthy on the outside, but it was diseased on the inside. The city made a good call," a resident told Patch.

The playground replacement was among several parks and recreation improvements included in spending plans connected to the Proposition 2½ override. City budget documents included $536,000 for playground improvements at Common Park and Dunton Park, along with funding for field, court, lighting and other recreational projects across Melrose.

Common Park is located at Laurel and Foster streets and features playground equipment, a softball field, basketball courts, and other recreational space. The city's Department of Public Works maintains parks, fields and open spaces throughout Melrose, except Mount Hood. The department's Forestry Division is responsible for trees on public property, including those in parks, conservation areas and along public roads.

The division completes tree pruning and hazardous tree removal throughout the year, with most work performed by city crews and contractors used for certain projects. The override-funded budget also included more than $200,000 for tree planting, removal of dead trees and trimming of healthy trees across Melrose. The funding supplements the city's regular forestry budget and includes $100,000 for tree planting and another $100,000 for forestry equipment used for tree trimming.