Skip to main content

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!

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.
Providence Street Playground Set

Providence Street Playground

District: 3

The Providence Street Playground has been a city park since 2010. It features a new playground, which is split into two parts. One side is for younger kids, while the other is geared toward older kids. It also contains Glodis Field, a multipurpose field named after the late State Rep. William J. Glodis.
Wetherell State Park Baseball Diamond

Wetherell Estate Park (Duffy Field)

District: 1

Wetherell Estate Park (Duffy Field) contains a newly installed playground and renovated little league field. In 1944, this parcel of 12.88 acres was transferred from jurisdiction of the Bureau of Streets. In 1967, 5.6 acres were used for the WNEB Broadcast Tower.

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
Email Us
Find Us On Facebook  Follow Us On X  YouTube Icon

Hours

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