Malden Unveils New Play Equipment, Picnic Tables At Trafton Park

MALDEN, MA — New play equipment for the youngest Maldonians is among the latest features at the revamped Trafton Park.

City leaders marked the completion of the first phase of construction under the Trafton Park Master Plan, which includes an expanded playground, ball field dugouts, benches, picnic tables, and trees to the park, as well as improvements to walkways, drainage, and other systems.

Mayor Gary Christenson recently joined state officials, city councilors, the Malden Redevelopment Authority, landscape architect Pam Shadley, members of the Community Preservation Committee and neighborhood residents for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

"Congratulations to everyone involved in what I think will now be known as the premier tot lot in Malden," Christenson said in a statement. "Before we even cut the ribbon there were already a ton of kids utilizing many of the new features, which to me is a telltale sign that this will be a great amenity for years to come. Now on to the next phases!"

The Master plan was created in 2019 following a series of community engagement meetings led by Ward 6 Councilor Dave Camell and Councilor-at-Large Steve Winslow. The plan envisions a new tennis court, U8 soccer field, basketball hoops, challenge course, dog park improvements, additional play areas and a sheltered plaza for community gatherings.

Future phases of the Master Plan will be pursued as funding becomes available.

"These improvements mark the largest investment in Trafton Park in the three decades my family has lived in the neighborhood," Winslow said. "I am glad to see parents and children already enjoying the playground expansion and improvements as much as my granddaughters have over the years. I have already begun working to secure funds for additional improvements, including to the backstop, field, and court area."

The first phase was funded by a $400,000 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant and a $225,000 grant from the Community Preservation Committee. Christenson and Councilors Camell, Winslow, Craig Spadafora and Debbie DeMaria contributed additional mitigation funds to the project.

"As both a councilor and a dad, I'm so excited that this first phase turned out so great," Camell said. "We've been down there as a family, and seen so many more folks enjoying the playground. And, as a family who is on Malden fields five days a week for baseball and tee ball, we are really looking forward to completion of future phases. It will be great to watch the kids play right in our own neighborhood in upcoming seasons!"