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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!

Beaver Brook Park Baseball Diamond and Bleachers

Beaver Brook Park

District: 5

Located across the street from Foley Stadium, Beaver Brook Park is home to both Ted Williams Little League and the Worcester Vikings youth football program. It offers many paved walking paths with pedestrian lighting, as well as numerous playing fields. It’s one of the City’s busiest parks.
Mulcahy Field Teal and Purple Playground Set

Mulcahy Field

District: 3

Mulcahy Field is a 4-acre park located in the Grafton Hill neighborhood on Dorchester Street. It is just across Arthur Street from Banis Street Playlot. This park features not only a baseball field and a softball field, but also a playground, a basketball court and a batting cage.
Harrington Field Baseball Diamond

Harrington Field

District: 2

Harrington Field is a 6-acre park on the city's East Side, located between Franklin Street and Harrington Way. Named after former Worcester Mayor Francis A. Harrington, it is the home of Jack Barry Little League and features two softball fields, a baseball field, a playground and a basketball court.

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
parks@worcesterma.gov
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Hours

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