Lincoln Commons and Totlot

Lincoln Commons is a 4.3-acre public park located on the site of the former Lincoln Elementary School.  Completed in 2001 and recipient of a Design Merit Award from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, the Lincoln Park improvements created several large open lawn spaces and accommodated 14' of grade change with beautiful curving paths and rolling landforms which frame long views and choreograph movement through the site.  Several smaller garden spaces within the park, including the Lincoln School Memorial, Louise Stokes Cherry Walk, and Sparrow Rose Garden provide a variety of experiences and commemorate community history.  The park incorporates extensive new plantings and remnants of the Lincoln School.

Lincoln Commons was an ambitious project and has genuinely transformed its neighborhood.  Following a full community process, what was once a dangerous site is now a comfortable and inviting open space for the community, which has increased adjacent property values, improved public safety, and has become a source of community pride.

JP Shadley was Principal-in-Charge and designer of the Lincolns Common project while he was with CRJA. Shadley Associates designed and assisted the City of Malden with the construction of a new totlot, and continues to assist the City with ongoing maintenance specifications and consultation on ballfield and soils issues.