Construction is underway on an ambitious project to transform an outdated playground into a vibrant community space in Marblehead’s historic district hopefully later in the year, marking a significant milestone for a grassroots initiative that has raised more than $300,000 in charitable contributions.
The Park on Elm Street project, located at the former Gerry School playground site, broke ground last month after the town accepted a bid from Raffaele Construction Corporation for the first phase of construction. The initiative represents a unique partnership between local government and community organizers to preserve and enhance one of the few safe play areas in Marblehead’s historic district.
“We’ve reached a major milestone, raising over $300,000 thanks to the generosity of the Marblehead community,” said Maeve Maguire, president of Friends of the Park on Elm Street, the nonprofit organization spearheading the project. “This demonstrates how deeply our community values creating spaces where families can come together.”
Meanwhile, the kids who showed up for a photo Thursday said they are thrilled to kick off the Gerry School Park Club, channeling their excitement and ideas into shaping the park’s future.
The renovation is proceeding in two phases, with significant financial backing from multiple sources. Phase one, funded by the town, includes removing existing asphalt and hardscaping, and repaving the parking area, basketball court, and pathways. The town has allocated $234,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funding to support this initial phase.
Phase two will focus on creating the playground space, including new equipment, trees, shrubs, a perennial garden and site amenities such as benches and picnic tables. Crowley + Cotrell, the town-appointed landscape architects, will develop plans for this phase, which is expected to cost more than $400,000 based on similar projects in the area.
“This park isn’t just about play — it’s about creating a safe, inclusive space that brings people together in the heart of our neighborhood,” Maguire said. “As one of the only safe play areas in the historic district, we have an opportunity to create something truly special that will serve generations to come.”
The organization’s commitment to fiscal responsibility has been a key factor in gaining community trust. Board members personally cover all operating costs, including website fees, marketing materials, and administrative expenses, ensuring that 100% of donations directly support park improvements.
“Our approach has been to keep operating costs as low as possible while maximizing the impact of every dollar donated,” Maguire explained. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive tremendous in-kind support from local businesses that share our vision for the park.”
Local firms have stepped up with valuable pro-bono services. Rubin & Rudman provided legal assistance in establishing the organization’s 501(c)(3) status, KingFish developed the website, and Gus & Ruby contributed design services for promotional materials.
Alex Eitler, Marblehead’s new town planner, is working closely to help oversee the project’s implementation. The team has already conducted three community meetings through Crowley + Cotrell to gather resident feedback on current usage patterns and future improvements.
“Our collaboration with the town and our amazing supporters has allowed us to move from ideas to action, and it’s exciting to see the first phase of construction underway,” Maguire said. “The community’s involvement has been crucial in shaping our vision for a park that serves everyone.”
The redesigned park will feature elements that promote physical activity, mental wellness and socialization while accommodating people of all abilities. Special attention has been given to ensuring the design harmoniously blends with the historic neighborhood’s character, incorporating sustainable elements and creating intentional play experiences.
More than 100 families have become actively involved in the project. The park is expected to serve more than 500 neighborhood children and provide a gathering space for residents of all ages in one of Marblehead’s most densely populated areas.
Friends of the Park on Elm Street hopes to raise an additional $100,000 in the coming months to ensure phase two can begin promptly upon completion of the initial construction phase. Once completed, the Recreation and Parks Department will maintain the facility, including the new perennial gardens indicated in the design plans.
“The response from our community has been overwhelming,” Maguire said. “From major donors to children hosting lemonade stands, everyone is playing a part in making this dream a reality. This truly is a park being built by the community, for the community.”
For more information about the project or to make a donation, residents can visit theparkonelm.org or email theparkonelm@gmail.com. The organization also welcomes volunteers who wish to help with fundraising events or contribute to ongoing community engagement efforts.
