This week will mark the beginning of serious work on the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home construction initiative, with fencing expected to encircle much of Malone Park.
According to Supt. Cheryl Poppe, who spoke with the Record, a construction fence should be erected within days around approximately two-thirds of Malone Park, leaving roughly one-third of the park on its western side accessible to the public.
“About two-thirds of the
park will be fenced off and one-third will stay open,” she said. “That will
help us start the drainage work, the geothermal wells and the parking lot. I
want to make sure everyone knows what is happening with the project and that
they can use the park one last time before it is closed off.”
The initiative involves replacing the former Quigley Memorial Hospital with a new Community Living Center designed to serve veterans. At $199 million, this project represents a collaborative effort between state and federal authorities and stands as one of the state’s most significant investments in long-term veterans care.