Bell Rock Park

Bell Rock Park in Malden, Massachusetts is one of the oldest public open spaces in the United States, having been continuously used as a town green and public park for over 350 years. Part of the 3.5 acre site's unique history includes over thirty years of involvement by the Olmsted Brothers, who introduced the focal stone plinth and monument centerpiece of the park, which are crowned by the magnificent Flag Defenders statue by Bela Pratt. Shadley Associates is assisting the Friends of Bell Rock Park and the Malden Redevelopment Authority in creating and realizing improvements to the park that are consistent with current park use while honoring and respecting the park’s history. Major masonry repair that conforms with historic mortaring techniques was completed in January of 2007 and the work improved public safety while preserving this important historic resource. Current work includes the restoration of the WWII Memorial, rehabilitation of site walks, furnishings and planting and turf improvements.  JP Shadley led the successful application of Bell Rock Park to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.