The City of Worcester broke ground at Crompton Park, on the corner of Endicott Street and Quinsigamond Avenue, marking the start of a new project to create the city’s second skate park.

“This is an exciting day here in the City of Worcester,” said Sean Rose, Worcester’s District 1 City Councilor. “The park has seen a number of improvements over the past year, and the skate park will be our latest addition.”

The skate park is due to open in August of 2022 and will feature ramps, rails and stairs as well as two bowls that will include a snake run. There will also be pedestrian lighting and security cameras.

Rose, who also serves as the chair of the Veterans’ Memorials, Parks, and Recreation Committee, joked that Mayor Joe Petty will be the first individual to drop into the bowl on a skateboard.

The project was pushed by Worcester’s skateboard community. Sarai Rivera, Worcester’s District 4 City Councilor, said that the skateboarders saw a need and “came to the table.”

“It was really important to make sure that the community had a voice that was activated that was part of the decision making process and part of this today,” Rivera said. “So thank you to them especially.”

Rivera said that Crompton Park is “really a community park.” Rose added that this project ensures that there is equity within the parks and communities of Worcester.

“I really think of our park system — our 61 parks — as a system,” City Manager Ed Augustus said. “The system should really make sure that we have all of the various amenities. Even though every park doesn’t have every amenity, the park system should have the amenities that a growing community like Worcester want.”

Over the past eleven years, $12 million has been invested in this particular location. According to Rob Antonelli, the assistant commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Parks, additional funding came from the state. Senator Mike Moore was in attendance to represent the state’s support.

Crompton Park now houses a pool that allows families to swim and also partake in swim lessons; handball courts; tennis courts that Tenacity runs free summer clinics at; a redone playground surface; and a newly renovated basketball court that hosts a summer basketball league.

“That all is indicative of the many uses of just this one particular park,” Augustus said. “It shows every single neighbor, every corner of the city is benefitting from our park system and the quality of life that it represents.”

 “I think adding the skateboard aspect to this park is a wonderful addition to what is already used in Crompton Park,” Rivera said. “I’m really proud of the parks we have in our community.”

In recent years, the City of Worcester has added dog parks, pickleball courts, and now this skatepark. Augustus said that the park system needs to continue to evolve with the community to meet their diverse and growing demands.

“This is proof that investment is not just for one part of the community, but investment is for all parts of the community,” Rivera said. 

Rivera said that while she used to skate herself, she is now looking forward to watching the new generation enjoy the park.