Worcester Duffy Field Dispute: Mayor Seeks Time For Compromise

WORCESTER, MA — The sides involved in a dispute over the future of Duffy Field and Wetherell Park will get more time to meet following a City Council vote on Tuesday night.

The Newton Avenue facility has been targeted for a renovation into athletic fields for nearby Doherty Memorial High School. The plan has divided residents into two groups: the Save Duffy Field group opposed to the renovation and the Share Duffy Field group.

Save Duffy Field member Meighan Sharry petitioned the City Council to stop the redevelopment. At Tuesday's meeting, Mayor Joseph Petty called for that item to be tabled. That will allow the two sides more time to compromise on a solution, Petty said.

The Save Duffy Field supporters want the park to largely remain intact, and are concerned about plans for new lights, AstroTurf and potentially locked gates surrounding the park.

The Duffy Field issue is tied to the upcoming Doherty rebuild. The new school will be built on Doherty's existing practice field along Highland Street. When complete, the school will have a new athletic field near where the current building stands, but supporters of the Duffy Field renovation say there won't be enough space there for all sports — and that nearby General Foley stadium is already at capacity.

The tabling of Sharry's petition passed with At-Large Councilors Donna Colorio and Khrystian King voting against it.