Mayor Gary Christenson and Ward 2 City Councillor Paul Condon celebrated the completion of construction at Devir Park on Thursday. The construction project included Phase I of the Devir Park Master Plan, which was developed in 2020. The improvements include a brand-new playground with a splash pad, a community plaza, a new basketball court and a half court, and accessible walking paths. Work also included planting seventeen new trees, new lighting, a water bottle filler, and upgrades to park entrances, fencing, utilities, and parking. The project also removed approximately 1,700 tons of ashen soil that was discovered during construction.
“This transformative project reinvigorates Malden’s largest park and is a testament to what we can accomplish together as a community,” said Mayor Christenson. “The Devir Park project demonstrates our commitment to universal accessibility, safe and exciting play spaces for children and families, to expanding our urban tree canopy, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone in our community.”
“Devir Park is a jewel of our community, and this project is something every resident can be proud of,” said Councillor Condon. “This beautiful park will bring our children, families, and neighbors endless opportunities to relax and play, and will ensure that Devir Park will continue to be enjoyed by future generations.”
“It has been such a pleasure working with the Mayor, Councillor Condon, City staff and our neighbors on revitalizing Devir Park,” said resident Jenelle DeVits, who co-led the Devir Park Master Plan process. “Our engagement with stakeholders and the neighborhood resulted in a very successful process, and ultimately a beautiful park. I’m grateful for everyone’s support and participation in this project. It’s nice to know that future generations of Maldonians will get to enjoy this investment for decades to come.”
The project was administered by the City of Malden Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD). Shadley Associates was the landscape architect and J. J. Phelan was the general contractor. Project funding included $1.3 million in the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, a $1 million City bond, $700,000 in Community Preservation Act funds, $400,000 in state PARC grant funds, $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, and $250,000 from a state earmark.
For more information on the project, including information on the Devir Park Master Plan, please visit www.cityofmalden.org/devirpark.
Pictured Holding Ribbon (from left): Pam Shadley, Shadley Associates; DPW Director Bob Knox; Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica; Jenelle DeVits, Co-Leader of Devir Park Master Plan Process; John Devir (6th generation Park’s namesake); Mayor Gary Christenson; Ward 2 Councillor Paul Condon; State Representatives Steve Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian; State Senator Jason Lewis; Councillors-At-Large Carey McDonald and Craig Spadafora; and J.P. Shadley, Shadley Associates