Cookson Field is a large open-space and recreation area located within the College Hill residential neighborhood in south-central Worcester, near Holy Cross College and the Auburn border. The park site was purchased by the City of Worcester on June 3, 1936 from real estate developer Herbert E. Howe, and named for Mayor Walter Cookson, who died in office on June 11, 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio.
No true comprehensive design has ever been completed for the park. In 1936, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) performed a site clean-up to improve the landscape and use of the park. Thereafter, on-site amenities were added only as funding became available. Since its purchase, park features have included a Little League field with backstop, formalized woodland paths, wooden benches, picnic areas with fireplaces, a swing set and sand box.
The park had been neglected for many years, causing most of the park amenities to be in poor condition. However, in 2013, a group of volunteers pulled together to help clean up the park, put up new signs, and the College of the Holy Cross even donated a new playground to the park.
If you want to escape the bustle of the city, you can walk the trails at Cookson Field and enjoy the peaceful nature that surrounds you!
View some of the other parks in this district. Get out and explore!
The park was purchased in 1888, and it was named Crompton Park and was then an open field which was used as a playground. Whether you and your kids are into sports, splashing around, enjoying a relaxing picnic or playing on a playground, there's something for everyone at Crompton Park!
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.
University Park is located in both a residential neighborhood and directly adjacent to a college campus. In the middle of the park is Crystal Pond, formerly used for swimming and ice skating. Today, activities on the Pond are limited to occasional paddle boating or toy boat races.
