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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!

Burncoat Street Playground with Slide and Climbing Structures

Burncoat Street Playground

District: 1

Burncoat Street Playground is the northern most public park in Worcester. Located between Burncoat Street and West Boylston Street, this park has a basketball court, tennis and volleyball court, as well as a playground. Burncoat Street Playground is close to Kendrick Field.
Burncoat Park Field with Wooden Bench

Burncoat (North) Park

District: 2

Located just north of I-290 and Brittan Square, this 26 acre park offers a baseball diamond, two ponds, sledding hills when there is snow, and a multipurpose field which mostly hosts football games in the fall and soccer games in the spring.
Boynton Park Bridge Over a Creek

Boynton Park

District: 5

Boynton Park is Worcester's second largest city-park, physically located within the town of Paxton. It features a baseball diamond, picnic area and many hiking and nature trails, which connect to many other publicly accessible green spaces. Silver Spring cuts through the middle of the park.

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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Hours

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8 a.m. - 5 p.m.