Enjoy a day with the kids at the Betty Price Playground! This playground is named after the late Elizabeth "Betty" Price, a woman who led the way for African American women in Worcester. In 1973 she became the first African American woman elected to the School Committee. Mrs. Price was also one of the primary founders and director of the Prospect House, a human services agency that assisted the poor. She later became an elected member of the Charter Commission that established Worcester's present-day form of municipal government.
The property consists of two parcels: one initially acquired from Prospect House, Inc. in 1968 and a second parcel acquired by the City in 2000.
There is no designated parking for the playground, but on-street parking is allowed on Laurel Street and Eastern Avenue.
This playground area recently underwent site improvements in an effort to contribute to the City-wide Parks & Playground Improvement Program, "Pride in Our Parks." These improvements include a new ADA accessible playground with a poured-in-place surface and playground equipment for ages 2-5 and 5-12. Also included was the installation of a fitness area with a poured-in-place surface and multi-point training system, new lighting, a paved walkway, an ornamental and chain link fence, shade shelter, picnic tables, benches, trees and a new park sign.
View some of the other parks in this district. Get out and explore!
Institute Park is a historic park which dates to the late 1800’s. Close to downtown, this park was originally an ordinary farm field and pasture. It was donated by the Honorable Stephen Salisbury III in 1887 as a park to supply a green space for the students and citizens of Worcester.
Ramshorn Island is a small island on Lake Quinsigamond. It is located on the south side of the Burns Bridge. While many of the islands on Lake Quinsigamond are privately owned, Ramshorn Island is owned by the City of Worcester; therefore it is open to public use.
Fairmont Park is located atop Poet Laureate Hill off of Grove Street. It has a playground, half basketball court and a picnic area. This park also features amazing views of downtown Worcester. In addition, Fairmont Park has an amphitheater and occasionally hosts events.