Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 6, 2025 Mayor Christenson, Councillor Winslow Celebrate Trafton Park Ribbon Cutting T Malden Warming Center wins $75,000 Cummings Foundation Grant after successful season Volunteer-operated refuge ensures longevity with a generous grant award he Malden Warming Center (MWC), a fully volunteer-run Mayor Gary Christenson cuts the ribbon with residents and Ward 6 Councillor Steve Winslow (left, holding scissors), Councillors-at-Large Karen Colón Hayes and Carey McDonald and State Representative Steve Ultrino. (Courtesy photo) Special to The Advocate M ayor Gary Christenson and Ward 6 Councillor Steve Winslow celebrated the reopening of Trafton Park on Thursday, May 29. The $1.16 million project delivered new basketball and tennis courts, upgrades to the dog park, an improved practice field for Little League and soccer teams and an expansive green space that can be used for recreation and events. The park’s most recent improvements also include a paved play space, new electrical service, irrigation, a drinking fountain/bottle filler and landscaping. “This park has always been a treasure for our city,” said Mayor Christenson. “It has been a pleasure watching it go through a process of renewal, from the playground to the dog park, the basketball and tennis courts, and now the ball field. I look forward to seeing our residents make the most of these beautiful spaces.” Councillor Winslow expressed excitement about the full reopening of Trafton Park, noting that “the popularity of the Trafton Dog Park, the new basketball court, and the growing interest in the restored ballfield all point to the success of the Phase II improvements. The community will have even more opportunities to enjoy the park when the Ward 6 July 4th celebration returns next month and can also look forward to movie nights and a ‘beach party’ on July 19th.” The project was administered by the City of Malden’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD). Shadley Associates was the landscape architect, and the general contractor was J.J. Phelan & Son. Project funding included $1 million in the City’s American Rescue Plan Act funds and $160,000 in Community Preservation Act funds. For more information on the project, please visit www. cityofmalden.org/trafton. refuge providing shelter from the harsh New England winter, has secured a $75,000 grant from Cummings Foundation’s $30 Million Grant Program. This funding will be allocated over three years, providing consistent operating support and financial security to MWC, which offers a warm place to stay for over 150 guests every season. The center, which concluded its seventh season in April, provides vital support to individuals experiencing homelessness with a dedicated team of volunteers from Malden and surrounding communities creating a welcoming, compassionate space — as the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to grow faster than our region’s collective ability to serve them. Grant funding from new partners like Cummings Foundation and from the center’s long-term supporters at the Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation and the City of Malden is critical to keeping the MWC doors open and to keeping its guests warm and fed. MWC was proud to share the following accomplishments: • 25 guests each night, reaching maximum capacity every night • Over 8,000 meals provided, including hot dinners and bagged lunches • Over 5,000 items of clothing and supplies distributed, including 1,300+ pairs of socks • 190 Uber rides provided to guests sent to other shelters or important locations, including fellow warming centers in Revere and Somerville, and local hospitals This year saw an increase in community involvement: 203 volunteers filled 1,965 shifts, contributing over 5,200 hours of service across 121 nights; 73 new volunteers joined MWC’s efforts this season. MWC was especially thrilled to share that 10 guests successfully transitioned into housing and eight guests WE GOT A CUMMINGS GRANT: Pictured from left to right, in the Cummings Foundation photo is Christine Lane, a volunteer with Cummings Foundation, Emily Granoff, MWC Board member, and Gerry Whetstone, MWC Executive Director. (Courtesy photo) entered treatment programs for substance use disorder. These accomplishments reflect the powerful impact of community collaboration. Every shift was filled with volunteers offering warm drinks, a kind word and a caring presence. Every donation — from socks to sweatpants — was a testament to the generosity of neighbors. Built on a foundation of hospitality, the MWC strives to treat every guest with dignity. Offering more than just shelter — it provides a sense of community and belonging. Guests often describe it as one of the few places where they are treated as people, not case files. The MWC stated, “As we close another season and look towards the next, we’re deeply grateful to all who contributed their time, resources, and energy to supporting those in need. Together, we’ve created a space where vulnerability is met with compassion and hope. And with the strong support of both community members, City officials, and our funding partners, we look forward to opening our doors again on December 1. We hope to see you there.”
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