The City's 12,000-square-foot rink, which opened in 2012, is 4,000 square feet larger than the rink at New York City's Rockefeller Center. The Oval Ice Skating Rink, powered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, has piped-in music, skate rentals, concessions, holiday lights and more, making it a fun and affordable family-friendly activity. The rink is professionally managed by Legends Global, the DCU Center's talented management team.
The City of Worcester and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District are excited to announce the Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers' Market series will feature 10 weeks of live performances, crafters, food vendors and farmers, Wednesdays through Sept. 9, 2026 on the historic Worcester Common Oval. The festival will take place on those dates from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Important Notice: Please be advised of an ongoing scam where City officials are being impersonated asking for payment related to planning and zoning permits. The City of Worcester will never request wire transfers.
Important Notice: Please be advised of an ongoing scam where City officials are being impersonated asking for payment related to planning and zoning permits. The City of Worcester will never request wire transfers.
The Historical Commission preserves and promotes the historic assets of the city. The Commission reviews alterations proposed to properties that are located in local historic districts and administers the city's Building Demolition Delay Ordinance.
Under the Community Preservation Act (CPA), the Historical Commission analyzes historic buildings, structures, documents, and artifacts to determine local historical significance. A positive determination of local historical significance is required for eligibility to apply for CPA funds.
Conservation Commission responsibilities include administering wetlands protection regulations and making recommendations on the planning, acquisition and management of property for conservation and passive recreation.
The following funding programs are overseen by the Housing and Neighborhood Development Divisions.
Notice: ESG Applicant Proposals will be presented to the ESG Advisory Committee on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 12 - 5 p.m.
View the following PDF for an overview of the City of Worcester's Housing Program portfolio.
Greg Baker, Director of Neighborhood Development
CDBG provides a flexible source of funding to develop viable urban communities by providing decent affordable housing, creating suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. The City, with the participation of local citizens, allocates resources toward projects that qualify as meeting one or more of the following three (3) broad national objectives set by Congress:
The City of Worcester has made significant investment into its parks, playgrounds, pools and beaches in recent years. A park of note is Coes Pond Park for its updated accessibility features. This park offers the region’s first state-of-the-art, universally accessible, multigenerational park and playground. This park and playground is a place for all ages and abilities to exercise, play, enjoy nature and relax. Many of the other parks offer updated playgrounds, fields, water features, and endless opportunities to explore nature.
The Treasurer & Collector of Taxes periodically holds public auctions for land and/or property that fits into one of three categories described below. All public notices, registration forms, property listings and related content is subject to change and should be checked periodically for updates.