Worcester May Create Ballpark Authority To Oversee WooSox Home

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester may create a new entity to oversee a group of properties connected to the WooSox, including Polar Park and a new planned parking garage.

City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. is asking the City Council to establish a five-member Worcester Ballpark Authority to control things like leases, the finances of the ballpark and rules for its use.

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority recently accepted the deed to the land under Polar Park, but is expected to turn over ownership to the city at a later date. The proposed authority would be part of the city Energy and Asset Management Division, but would report to the city manager's office.

Polar Park is supposed to be done in time for opening day in April. The $100 million stadium is part of a larger development featuring office buildings, a hotel and apartments.

Cities across the U.S. use similar entities to oversee stadiums, ballparks and arenas that are publicly owned. And there is already a model for such oversight in Worcester: the five-member Civic Center Commission oversees the city-owned DCU Center.

The City Council will discuss the potential Worcester Ballpark Authority at the regular Tuesday night meeting. If the Council takes no action within 90 days, the authority will automatically be created.