Active Living
Malden is working to incorporate physical activity into daily life.
View program offerings, activities and classes by the Malden Recreation Department by visiting their website:
BE A ROLE MODEL! Protect the Malden River.
Learn more about the Northern Strand Community Trail.
Malden Community Garden
Overview
The Malden Community garden consists of 106 garden plots that are available for rent to the residents of Malden on a first-come, first-serve basis. In these plots, gardeners can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In addition to gardening, the members of the community garden have the opportunity to get involved in activities/events that give back to the community, collaborate with local groups, and connect youth to nature.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Malden Community Gardens is to empower residents of the City of Malden to become active stewards of a communal setting for growing their own produce and flowers. Through their stewardship, garden members become invested community stakeholders, giving back to the community by providing educational gardening events and activities, as well as helping, sharing, and collaborating with other community groups in Malden.
Goal
The goal of the program is to empower, educate and inspire local residents to plant and harvest their own healthy food.
Location
The Malden Community Garden is located along the Northern Strand Bike Path between Franklin and Faulkner Streets in Malden, MA.
History of the Garden
Ward 5 City Councilor, Barbara Murphy initiated this project which was built by volunteers and Bike to the Sea members under the direction of Clay Larsen, project manager for Groundwork Somerville. Mayor Christenson’s office provided leadership, grant-writing support, and outreach. Funding was obtained from several sources including a federal community development block grant obtained by the Malden Redevelopment Authority and private donations from Keurig, Inc. and the non-profit organization Seeds of Change. Malden resident and community leader, Julie Mangan has been the Garden Coordinator since 2014. Julie’s ongoing mission is to keep the garden thriving by strengthening the gardening community. During the monthly meetings, everyone has a voice in making decisions for the garden.
Past Activities and Projects
Volunteer Days, Garden2Table cooking classes, Teen Workshops, Haunted Gardens, Family Gardening Day & FOOGI Plant Swap, public Snack & Share plots, Sweep & Meets and Potluck Lunches, the installation of a Native Pollinator Garden, and keeping our Little Free Library maintained and well-stocked.
How to rent a garden plot and become involved
Malden residents have the opportunity to adopt a planting bed for just $30 per year! In addition, gardeners must sign a gardener’s agreement and volunteer 4 hours per season to help keep the communal areas well kept. Gardeners will provide their own plants or seeds and the water will be supplied by the City. Contact the Garden Coordinator, Julie Mangan at [email protected] to be put on the waiting list or for volunteer opportunities.
The Farm at Malden Community Garden
The Farm’s ten raised farm plots (nine 12” tall plots and one 24” tall plot for farm volunteers with disabilities) are located at the intersection of Bryant Street and the Northern Strand Bike Path. A variety of culturally appropriate produce are grown for families that Malden’s food pantry, Bread of Life, serves.
In 2021, the Farm’s first year, over 600 pounds of fresh vegetables and herbs were produced and donated to Malden’s food pantry, Bread of Life, and to the volunteers who worked hard to make our donation possible. The success of this project has inspired expansion of The Farm to increase produce donations to Bread of Life.
The focus for the 2022 growing season is to expand The Farm by building 8 additional raised farm plots, which will increase The Farm’s yield by approximately 45 percent. In addition, this will increase volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops to inspire and educate community members on how to plant and harvest their own healthy food.
Social Media
Malden Community Garden in the News
- Malden’s First Community Garden Built Along the Trail
- Green Thumbs in Malden: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Events at Malden Community Garden
Complete Streets
Malden is a Complete Streets Community!
Complete Streets is a transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Complete Streets allow for safe travel by those walking, bicycling, driving automobiles, riding public transportation, or delivering goods. Complete Streets are promoted as offering improved safety, health, economic, and environmental outcomes. Complete Streets emphasize the importance of safe access for all users, not just automobiles.
Malden is a Complete Streets partner. Visit: MPHA: Action for a Healthy Massachusetts or Metropolitan area planning council to learn more about the Complete Streets Coalition.
Become A Healthier You!
Click on the graphics below to learn more!
