Malden Awarded $300K MassTrails Grant For Spot Pond Brook Greenway

MALDEN, MA – Malden is set to receive $300,560 to construct the Spot Pond Brook Greenway, thanks to grant funding from the Healey-Driscoll administration.

Through the MassTrails Grant Program, $11.6 million will be granted to 68 trail improvement projects across the state. The funds go toward the design, construction, and maintenance of trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths.

When constructed, the Spot Pond Brook Greenway in Malden will be a new shared use path connecting the town’s Oak Grove neighborhood with the Northern Strand Community Trail and Malden River via Downtown Malden.

The 1.1-mile, 11-foot wide shared-use path will replace existing sidewalks and narrow roadways to accommodate the new bicycle and pedestrian facility on the existing road.

Over 100 communities will be impacted by the MassTrails Grant Program, which aims to develop new multi-use trails, expand accessibility, create connections between towns and existing trails, support the construction of boardwalks and bridges, design and install new signage, and acquire new land for trails.

“Outdoor recreation is directly tied to the economic prosperity of our state,” Governor Maura Healey said in a news release. “By investing in our trails system, we can give our residents opportunities to get outside, commute for free, and showcase all the natural assets Massachusetts has to offer. This is how we grow our economy, cut emissions, and improve health outcomes all at the same time.”

The program is funded through the Massachusetts DCR capital budget and the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program grants. Additionally, the communities receiving funding will provide a proposed match of nearly $16 million.