Article and photos provided by the Malden Redevelopment Authority: 

With more than 35 people in attendance, the first in a series of Community Input Meetings was held at Newland Street Housing to begin a collaborative process of identifying goals for a renovation to Miller Park.

Attendees ranged from residents of the housing complex to local neighbors to representatives from the police department, the department of public works, city council, redevelopment authority, and more. Local youth were also in attendance to share their viewpoints about the park and help brainstorm additions that would be enticing to their generation.

Participants engaged in a presentation by architect Abigail Klima and community artist Tova Speter, two of the team members leading the renovation project. The meeting was sponsored by Ward Seven City Councillor Neal Anderson, in whose ward the park is located. 

Those in attendance shared concerns about the current status of the park and identified key areas in need of improvement including lighting, security, maintenance, accessibility, and vandalism.

The discussion included both positive and negative comments about the basketball court, although most agreed that it is important to maintain the basketball court while creating a new space (that may be buffered by natural materials/plants) that is more peaceful and relaxing for visitors’ use. People spoke of the need for new landscaping with trees and flowers, paths to walk, and places to sit. 

Participants also shared their memories of Robert Miller, the park’s namesake. Those who knew him spoke with great affection of a man who was dedicated to the city’s youth through his involvement with the YMCA and with great emotion as they described the fatal accident that preceded the dedication of the park in his name.

Councillor Anderson noted: “This was a great first meeting with the community. We want to continue to engage the residents in this project so that we develop the best design for this park that will provide active and passive recreational opportunities for everyone well into the future.”

A second Community Input Meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 15 from 7-9 pm in the Community Room at Suffolk Manor at 312 Bryant Street in Malden. Residents, neighbors, media, and the general public are encouraged to attend to hear more about the project and share their thoughts and ideas with the planning team. 

This initiative by the City of Malden and the Malden Redevelopment Authority (MRA) was propelled by the receipt of the Open Spaces Sacred Places Planning Grant from the TKF Foundation and will support the community planning process to design the new green space. The mission of the Maryland-based TKF Foundation is to provide the opportunity for a deeper human experience by supporting the creation of public green space that offers a temporary place of sanctuary, encourages reflection, provides solace, and engenders peace.

For more information, please visit www.millerparkvision.com or email info@millerparkvision.com.