What is Malden River Works?
Malden River Works is a community-led effort to transform Malden’s only city-owned riverfront site -
356 Commercial Street, currently home to Malden’s Department of Public Works (DPW) - into a resilient, inclusive park space for all. This project will take place in two parts: 1) Redesign DPW operations for climate preparedness and efficiency (June 2026); 2) Create a vibrant, accessible waterfront park for everyone.
Funding
This project is made possible through a generous grant from the MIT Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism, which has awarded Malden River Works with the first ever Norman B. Leventhal City Prize for equitable resilience. Further funding was provided by the State of Massachusetts’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Action Grant and MAPC’s Accelerating Climate Resiliency Grant Program.
Project Objectives
The objective of the Malden River Works project is to bring together a new coalition of community leaders of color, environmental advocates, and government stakeholders in action to achieve a common goal: to create a climate resilient waterfront park for all on the Malden River while also producing the co-benefits of boosting social resiliency.
The park design seeks to actively invite visitors of all backgrounds, ages, languages, and socioeconomic statuses.
The diverse cultures of Malden will be represented on the site through art on the DPW walls and signage, cultural events, and outdoor classes.
Bioretention and riparian areas will be complemented by signage in various languages to allow visitors to learn about the natural environment or history of Malden.
Additionally, the flexibility of spaces and the ADA-compliant design will welcome people of all age groups and abilities.
Project Team
This project is led by a dedicated team reflecting diverse design, construction, civic, environment, and community expertise and perspectives.
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Kathleen M. Vandiver
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Marcia Manong
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Rebekah McPheeters
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Karen Buck
Photo by Anne D’Urso-Rose taken during media session at Urban Media Arts
Project Design
A community-led concept design process led to a report and plans that are guiding the construction phases of the project. Read the concept design report for details about community input and recommendations.
Proposed Park: This axonometric view shows details of the park including the flexible lawn surrounded by trees for shade, the elevated greenway path that is intended to connect to the north and south in the future, the boat house, the accessible pathway to the river and the boat launch, and the bioretention pond for flood control, water quality, and restoring a more natural ecosystem along the river.
River and Open Space Amenities Map: The amenities and features proposed for the Malden River Works project were considered within the context of existing and proposed open spaces on and around the Malden River.
Shaded Lawn: This view is taken from the south side of the lawn area, to show the scale of the space and flexibility of use, shading from trees at mid-day, and the boat house and restrooms in the distance. Additionally, on the right side, the main greenway path and river are visible.
Bioretention Area: This is a view of the bioretention area and the accessible pathway down to the river. This area shows host local plant species, detain stormwater, and treat runoff from the rest of the site after a rainfall.
Paths to the River: This view is taken where the three paths converge, with the boat house to the right. It is intended to show how the main greenway path and lawn are elevated, while the boat ramp and accessible path slope toward the river and support local plant species and wildlife.
Commercial Street Entrance: This perspective, viewed from Commercial Street at the current entrance of the DPW, shows a more welcoming and identifiable entrance to the park, along with a future mural on the DPW walls.
Project Status
We’ve completed the concept design, selected the contractor for phase 1, and started site preparation and construction at the site. Check out the site progress page for a gallery of progress media.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer
We have an array of opportunities to volunteer, including helping with social media, river cleanup, event planning, fundraising, and more. Click for a list and to sign up.
Sponsor the project
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Attend an Event
Donate
Explore the River
If there is an event by the river, we invite you to come and bring your friends.
If there is an event by the river, we invite you to come and bring your friends.
Map of river; location of activities; links to coming events by the river; tour of the site? Coffee at River’s Edge Cafe; By bike, walking, canoing, ….