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Cristoforo Colombo Park, also known as East Park, is an important neighborhood and city-wide park located within the busy and vibrant Shrewsbury Street commercial district. East Park is easily recognizable because of the two stone griffins (lions with wings) flanking the park entrance.

The park contains lighted fields for football, as well as a tennis court and two basketball courts. The park also includes a splash pad in the warm weather months, a state-of-the-art children's playground, amphitheater and many acres of undeveloped hillsides with trail connections to Bell Pond Park and Green Hill Park leading all the way to Lake Quinsigamond.

East Side Trail Map

Splash

Kids Playing in Spray Park

Cool off on a hot summer day at the Cristoforo Colombo Spray Park! Bring your kids down to splash around and get sprayed by spouts of water! It'll be a blast!

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Let's Play!

Larger Playground Structure at East Park
Smaller Playground Structure at East Park

Cristoforo Colombo Park not only has a state-of-the-art children's playground, but it also has a smaller play structure in the park, basketball courts and a baseball diamond where you can catch an exciting ball game or snag some fly balls of your own.

Events in the Park

Amphitheater in the Middle of East Park

The amphitheater in the middle of the park is a unique structure that is host to many events throughout the warmer months. Most notably, during the City's annual Independence Day Celebration, the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra wows a large crowd before the fireworks light up the sky.

Griffins

Stone Griffin Outside of East Park

In 1916, an ornamental gateway was installed making use of the two stone griffins (lions with wings) that formerly supported the arch of the train shed of the old Union Railroad Station. Next time you're at the park, look at the griffins and you will see that they are not a matching pair. One griffin's tail is facing Shrewsbury St and the other griffin's tail is unseen facing the park. It is believed that the griffins were transported by horse and sled.

Also Check Out

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

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Ramshorn Island on Lake Quinsigamond

Ramshorn Island

District: 2

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.
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Shore Park Sandy Swimming Area with Lifeguard Tower

Shore Park

District: 1

Located on Shore Drive, this park was renovated with a new bathhouse in the Spring of 2018. This park features a large beach on the north end of Indian Lake, as well as picnic areas. Beach-goers will find a new bathhouse, including restrooms, a first-aid room and a lifeguard room.
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Holmes Field Baseball Diamond

Holmes Field

District: 2

Holmes Field is an 8-acre park located on Plantation Street, named after Pehr G. Holmes. It features a ball field, playground, hockey court and picnic area. It is home of the Nick Manzello Baseball Diamond. Part of Holmes Field is under construction, but soon there will be new amenities!

Quick Facts

Location: 180 Shrewsbury Street - Map

District: 2

Size: 23.0 acres

Parking Lot(s): Yes

Features:

  • Amphitheater
  • Baseball Diamond
  • Basketball Court
  • Gazebo/Pavilion
  • Nature Trail(s)
  • Monuments/Memorials
  • Multipurpose Field
  • Playground
  • Spray Park
  • Tennis Court

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.