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The area around Coes Reservoir (commonly referred to as Coes Pond) consists of 20.79 acres of green and blue space that offers four seasons of premier amenities including the region's first state-of-the-art, universally accessible, multigenerational park and playground. There are approximately 5 miles of walking trails including the East-West Trail that link John J. Binienda Memorial beach, Columbus Park and the heavily used Reed Memorial Rectangular Field and playground.

The area surrounding Coes Pond possesses several significant historical attributes. The former Coes Knife property was home to mills owned and operated by Loring Coes and his brother Aury Gates Coes and built in the late 1800's. The Coes brothers invented and manufactured the world famous monkey wrench and subsequently manufactured highly sophisticated and precisely engineered blades, knives and cheese cutters.

Passing by Coes Pond and the former Coes Knife property along Mill Street is the Major Taylor Bike Trail. Named for Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor, an African-American with strong ties to Worcester, and winner of both the national and world bicycle spring racing championships in 1899.

Want to get involved? The Coes Zone Taskforce provides stewardship of the pond and its environs.

Coes Zone

Coes Knife

Coes Pond Playground with Stearns Tavern in Background

Formerly the site of the Coes Knife factory building, Coes Park is home to the 204-year-old Stearns Tavern and an accessible community playground and a multi-generational park. This park and playground is a place for all ages and abilities to exercise, play, enjoy nature and relax. The park provides recreational opportunities (passive and active), support facilities, ADA accessible walkways, a scenic overlook area, benches, landscape plantings, kiosks and signage. It includes 57 playground features, all of which are accessible. There also is a sledding hill, so you can have fun here all year-round!

Stearns Tavern is one of the oldest structures in the city of Worcester. The Seven Hills Foundation occupies the first floor of the repurposed tavern and operates a café and other workforce training and development programs for individuals with disabilities.

Coes Pond Beach

Accessible Walkway at Binienda Beach Heading Toward the Water

Dedicated in honor of the late State Representative John J. Binienda, Binienda Beach (formerly Coes Pond Beach) includes a bathhouse, swimming area and sandy beach, perfect for family outdoor activities. The beach is located on the western side of Coes Reservoir and serves as the headwaters of the Blackstone River. During the summer months, visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards. Coes Reservoir is annually stocked with trout and is a favorite fishing spot among the locals. Non-motorized watercraft is allowed and informal launch sites are available at the John Binienda Memorial Beach and at the end of Circuit Avenue North.

Columbus Park

Columbus Park at Coes Pond with Wooded Surroundings and Large Signage

Columbus Park is a green space located on the eastern side of Coes Reservoir. The excessively steep slopes throughout the majority of this park limit development opportunities. Due to this geographical feature, the park has been left fairly natural. The "Hillside" beach area is the only generally flat area and is located in the far southwest corner of the park.

Knights of Columbus

Football/Soccer Field Near Playground at the Knights of Columbus Park

The site is located with densely populated residential neighborhoods situated immediately to the south, east and north. Other notable nearby properties include Clark University, Beaver Brook Park, Lakeside Housing Development (WHA property) and Hadwen Arboretum. The Botany Bay residential community is located just to the north of the former Knights of Columbus parcel.

Knights of Columbus offers a small parking area, multi-use field which can be used for playing soccer and other informal or formal field-sports, a picnic area, playground with ADA compliant features, a basketball court and a multi-use pathway that links to the nearby open or green spaces such as Columbus Park, Coes Knife and Coes Pond Beach.

Also Check Out

View some of the other parks in the City. Get out and explore!

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Coal Mine Brook Sign with Parking Lot and Park and Green Trees

Coal Mine Brook

District: 2

Coal Mine Brook features upgrades to the East West Trail Network, a new playground and state of the art adult fitness area. This park was renovated in 2023.
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Harry Sherry Field Baseball Diamond

Harry Sherry Field (S. Worcester Playground)

District: 4

South Worcester Playground, also known as Harry Sherry Field and as Maloney Field, became a City park in 1986. This park is the home of the South Worcester Baseball league, featuring two baseball fields, a soccer area, two handball courts, a basketball court and a playground.
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Blithewood Park Blue and Green Playground

Blithewood Park

District: 3

Blithewood Park features a playground, basketball court, baseball field, historic gazebo, and on-site parking. The Park got an upgrade in 2014. This re-vamp included, a new playground, fencing, accessible walkway upgrades and the gazebo got a new roof, repair of worn boards and a complete repainting.

Quick Facts

Location: 72 Coes Street - Map

District: 5

Size: 23.2 acres

Parking Lot(s): Yes

Master Plan: View Master Plan

Features:

  • Nature Trail(s)
  • Multipurpose Field
  • Picnic Area
  • Playground
  • Volleyball Court
  • Water Access

Contact Information

Address

Parks & Recreation
50 Officer Manny Familia Way
Worcester, MA 01605

Contact

Phone: 508-799-1190
Fax: 508-799-1293
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Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.