Malden legislators celebrate $500,000 grant for Devir Park’s Phase 2 improvements

Special to The Advocate

State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steve Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian were excited to announce that the City of Malden is receiving a $500,000 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to continue renovations at Devir Park. The PARC grant program is funded by the Massachusetts Legislature. This grant funding will be used for Phase 2 of the Devir Park improvement project, which includes adding a regulation women’s softball field with a new backstop, infield, player’s benches and accessible bleachers. In addition, the current soccer field will be updated with improved drainage and a new irrigation system.

Phase 1 of the Devir Park improvement project was completed in 2023 and had received state funding through a $400,000 PARC grant and a $250,000 earmark in the state budget secured by the Malden legislators. These improvements included a new playground with a splash pad, a new basketball court, accessible walking paths, new trees and lighting, a water bottle filler and upgrades to the entrances, fencing, utilities and parking.

“I’m thrilled that the City of Malden is receiving this significant state grant to continue renovations at Devir Park,” said Senator Lewis. “The renovations that have already been completed at Devir Park look great and are serving the community well, and I’m excited to see this next phase completed.”

“With the allocation of a state grant from the Executive Office of Energy, Devir Park will be able to continue making improvements … I am excited to see the continued transformation of the Park and the City of Malden,” said Representative Donato.

“The awarded PARC grant is a critical piece of funding which will support the ongoing improvements to Devir Park,” said Representative Ultrino. “I look forward to seeing the final product of the park improvements that was made possible by state funding. I am excited for Malden residents to have a safe and new recreational space and equipment.”

“I am glad to see Devir Park receive this state funding to complete the next phase in renovations for this vital recreational space,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “Last fall, I was glad to join the full Malden delegation to celebrate the first phase of renovations at Devir Park, supported by an earmark the delegation secured in the State budget. I look forward to returning to see the new softball field and improved soccer field.”

“In this year’s State of the City Address, we were proud to state that we had not one but several parks under renovation and now we will be able to add that thanks to this announcement. None of these renovations or today’s announcement would be possible without the support of the Healey Administration and our State Legislative Delegation,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “We now look forward to working with the City Council and our community to utilize this funding to continue to further build on our commitment to Malden’s parks and open space.”