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University Park is one of Worcester's older park acquisitions. It was purchased in the years 1887 and 1889 from Sarah Anderson, Sylvia Gates, William D. Gates and Alonzo Whitcomb.

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 activities such as swimming and ice skating. Today, activities on the Pond are limited to occasional paddle boating or toy boat races. If the pond freezes thick enough, some people enjoy skating on Crystal Pond in the winter months!

The park today has is 14.3 acres. University Park is popularly known as Crystal Park by Worcester natives. That name, however, was never made official.

Spray Park

Spray Park at University Park

Splash into summer! The brand-new spray park in University Park officially opened on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025! Come splash around and beat the heat at the park!

Get Outside!

Playground Structures at University Park with Kids Swinging in the Background

As you enjoy the walking trails and fountain at Crystal Pond, let your kids play on the playground at University Park!

Let's Play!

Kids Playing Basketball on the Courts at University Park

At University Park, in addition to admiring the pond, having a picnic, walking the trails or playing on the playground, you can also play a game on the two basketball courts or the tennis court! As a bonus, the tennis court has the markings on the pavement so that you can switch it up and play a game of pickleball.

Also Check Out

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

Grant Square Green and Brown Playground Set

Grant Square

District: 2

Grant Square is located in the Green Hill neighborhood of Worcester. The park property was acquired in two sections, but after the larger piece was acquired, the two were combined into a single tract for park use. In 2015, the city installed a new playground, a new basketball court and community garden beds.
Cascades Park Waterfall

Cascades Park

District: 5

Named for the cascading waterfall visible from Cataract Street, Cascades Park abuts a number of other conservation areas and parks. This park has a number of hiking and nature trails which consist of interesting geographic features, most notably, the waterfall which leads into Cook Pond.
Betty Price Blue and Green Playground Set

Betty Price Playground

District: 2

This playground is named after the late Elizabeth "Betty" Price, a woman who led the way for African American women in Worcester. 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.

Quick Facts

Location: 965 Main Street - Map

District: 4

Size: 14.3 acres

Parking Lot(s): No

Master Plan: View Master Plan

Features:

  • Basketball Court
  • Nature Trail(s)
  • Ice Skating Area
  • Playground
  • Spray Park
  • Tennis Court
  • Volleyball Court

Know Before You Go

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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8 a.m. - 5 p.m.