Malden Explores Revitalizing Decaying Parks, Greenway Connection

MALDEN, MA — Officials in Malden's Ward 7 are exploring options for turning two decaying parks into community destinations. The project would revitalize the Kierstead and Tartikoff parks and potentially create a Greenway along Willow Street, linking them to other open spaces.

"People view games happening at Kierstead's ball diamond as they drive by and youth flock to Tartikoff's skate park," Ward 7 Councilors Neal Anderson and Stephen Winslow write. "On the other hand, the playground at Lincoln Common gets much more use than Kierstead's playground and both parks have large areas that receive little if any use."

Last fall, a Malden resident shared photos from Kierstead Park on a community Facebook page that showed broken down and rusted equipment. Many others chimed in, calling the state of the playground "disgraceful" and "embarrassing."

The parks are now in the early stages of getting a facelift, as the first meeting regarding a Master Plan was held Jan. 28.

Potential design ideas were outlined, including improvements to the little league field at Kierstaed; moving Tartikoff's skate park to Kierstead and utilizing the former's natural slope for unique playground equipment; adding fitness and other sport options to Kierstead; and more possibilities derived from existing parks.

The presentation also proposed a Greenway along Willow Street to connect the parks to the Lincoln Common, Northern Strand bike path, Roosevelt Park and Salemwood School. The paved, two-way corridor would accommodate non-motorized users, including pedestrians bicyclists, joggers and strollers.

Feedback on the plan should be sent to Councilor Anderson at nanderson@cityofmalden.org. A second community meeting will be held March 4.

See below for the Jan. 28 presentation: