If you've just moved to the Worcester area or are here for a visit than you've no doubt noticed all of the great outdoor spaces throughout the city. Parks and Recreation is in charge of more than 1250 acres of public parkland as well as four beaches. This makes up more than sixty parks for anyone in the area to enjoy, from someone who has lived here all their life to an architect Canada based looking for some new inspiration. There are lots of things to experience and see while you are visiting Worcester's parks and outdoor spaces. Here is a little more about what you may find throughout the city.
Public parks have been an important part of the City of Worcester since the 17th century when Worcester Common was named as a "common open space" for the area's residents. This tradition carried on through the years and in 1954 Elm Park was purchased using city funds, making it one of the first pieces of land that was bought for the specific intention of building a park in America. You can find many postcards and photos of these areas in shops or online post card printing and they are both on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you're living in Worcester during the summer months, than you're probably interested in the beaches within the area. Instead of spending money for jewelry shopping downtown you could lounge out on the sand and get a nice tan. There are four city run beaches and two more than are owned by the state. The city beaches are located at Bell Pond, Coes Pond, Indian Lake, and Shore Park. The state beaches are at Regatta Point and Quinsigamond Lake. There are currently plans to build upon and improve the facilities at Coes Pond.
There are also many alternative locations than the normal park where you can go for a walk or bring a picnic lunch. You could pack up the kids and their organic diapers and head to the Green Hill Park Farm to visit all of the animals. Or just the adults could spend a sunny afternoon at the Green Hill Golf Course, which is open for play between April and October. The Korean and Vietnam War Memorials are also run by Parks and Recreation.
There are several events and festivals that take place in the city's parks and public spaces throughout the year. You could improve your swing by taking part in one of the Worcester Tornadoes' baseball clinics or could enter a 2010 car sweepstakes at a local fair. If you're planning your own event to take place in one of Worcester's parks, you should head down to the Parks and Recreation office for permit information.
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