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 the founder 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.
Worcester’s largest and most diverse park includes a golf course and many sports fields, some lighted. There is a petting zoo, arboretum, ponds and playgrounds. Green Hill Pond, a 30-acre “great pond” is at the center. Multiple gazebos and picnic areas provide areas to relax and take in the view.
East Park has two stone griffins flanking the park entrance. The park contains lighted football fields, a tennis court, two basketball courts, a splash pad, a new playground, amphitheater and many acres of hillsides connecting the East Side Trail.
