Mayor Christenson, Councillor Simonelli celebrate Kierstead Park project completion

Special to The Advocate

Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and Ward 7 Councillor Chris Simonelli celebrated the completion of construction at Kierstead Park on Thursday, April 24. The $2.2 million project created a new playground for children of all ages and abilities, upgraded the existing Little League baseball field, added new trees and improved walkability, safety, lighting and other park features. Several members of the Kierstead family were present at the ribbon cutting and were grateful to celebrate the legacy of Police Sargeant Arthur E. Kierstead, who was one of the founders of Malden’s Little League program as well as its first president.

“This is a park and playground that we can be proud of,” said Mayor Christenson. “Improving all of our parks remains a priority as quality public space is an essential infrastructure that strengthens community ties.”

I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in completing this project both on schedule and within budget,” said Councillor Simonelli. “It was wonderful to see the Kierstead family in attendance today and to see the children from the neighborhood who have been eagerly awaiting the park’s opening enjoying this beautiful space.”

The new playground includes colorful and accessible play structures, swings and safety surfacing, with light, reflective colors to reduce the heat island effect. “My three-year-old, Fin, is always very shy and is glued to my hip at most playgrounds,” said Malden resident Michelle Murray. “Today he’s been nonstop, over and over, up and down the big slide. He’s full of smiles and laughs. I really love how the ramp provides access to the top for all ages.”

A large open green space for flexible uses like picnicking, running and games creates distance between the playground and the Eastern Avenue sidewalk. The ballfield’s backstop and irrigation have been replaced and upgraded, and the field itself was rotated slightly to improve playability and safety. Other site amenities include new player areas, bleachers, benches, walking paths, lighting, trees, bicycle parking, landscaping, trash receptacles, fencing and utilities.

The project was administered by the City of Malden’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD). Shadley Associates was the landscape architect and David W. White & Son was the general contractor. Project funding included $900,000 in the City’s American Rescue Plan Act funds, $400,000 each from the City’s Community Development Block Grant funds, Community Preservation Act funds and the state’s PARC grant program, and $350,000 in state earmarks secured by Malden’s legislative delegation. For more information on the project, please visit www.cityofmalden.org/kierstead.