Politics & Government
Worcester Aims For $3.5M Renovation Of University Park
The Main South park would get a new splash pad, among other upgrades.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester in 2022 will pursue a $1 million federal grant to help pay for a major overhaul of University Park in the Main South neighborhood.
City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. has asked the City Council to approve a grant application from the National Park Service's Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program. If approved, the city would use $2.5 million in capital funds to round out the $3.5 million project.
According to a memo from Augustus to Councilors, the renovation would include the addition of a splash pad, new walkways and seating areas and a new support building. Worcester will find out in December if it has been approved for the LWCF grant.
In October, Worcester received a $750,000 LWCF grant to renovate Coal Mine Brook located at the eastern terminus of the East-West Trail.
The 14.3-acre University Park — also called Crystal Park — is one of the oldest in the city. The city purchased the land for the park in the late 19th century. Today, the park, located across Main Street from Clark University, contains a pond, a playground and basketball courts. It's the largest piece of open park space in the Main South area.
