Shadley Associates has completed multiple phases of work at Linden Park adjacent to the Linden STEAM Academy in Malden, MA. This public open space is partly within the 100-year floodplain and is heavily used by both the school and the community. Improvements at Linden STEAM Academy have occurred in three phases, the first of which began in February of 2012. Following alternatives analysis, the selected work included drainage and safety improvements at the Little League Field and the Softball Field, new painted graphics on the paved play space, a new playground for ages 2-5, repairs to the existing playground and basketball court, new exterior fitness equipment, new seating, planting and lighting improvements to the Veterans Honor Roll at the Linden Victory Delta, and overall site cleaning and planting. Following NOI approval, the work was bid in June of 2012 and complete by the end of the year. SA lead the consultant team of civil and electrical engineers, plus a soil scientist.
The second phase of work included the renovation of the existing street hockey rink. Improvements included accessible connections to the rink, full-depth pavement reconstruction, new dasher boards, benches and bleachers, and new acrylic surfacing with lines for both hockey and pickleball. Because the rink is partly within the 100-year floodplain, grading was designed to minimize fill, and the small amount of additional impervious pavement drains into subsurface infiltration chambers. The rink project was completed in the fall of 2024.
Shadley Associates is currently working on renovations to the two existing playgrounds at Linden Park. To begin the design process, Shadley Associates held a public meeting and solicited input from members of the community, students, and teachers at the STEAM Academy regarding what they would like to see in the new playgrounds. SA then prepared two concept design sketches and presented them at a second public meeting to receive feedback on the proposed layout, site furnishings, play equipment, and shade shelters. Finally, SA prepared a preferred concept plan and presented it to the public at a third public meeting. SA is currently working with the City of Malden on Schematic Design to determine which options can be accommodated within the City’s budget.