Worcester Seeks Operator For Polar Park-Adjacent Public Space

WORCESTER, MA — A slice of public space behind Polar Park is up for grabs.

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority is looking for an entity to make the Rockland Trust Plaza a "dynamic, creative public place for leisure activities and family entertainment." The WRA built the plaza, officially opening it in May 2022, to serve as a link between the Canal District and the downtown area on the other side of the elevated train bridge.

"The Plaza was envisioned and planned as a flexible outdoor venue and gateway with opportunities for pre-game meetups, entertainment, food options, pop-up retail, community, and arts events," the city said Wednesday in an announcement seeking an operator for the plaza.

The space is also known as General Josiah Pickett Plaza, named for a Civil War leader from Worcester. However, the Worcester Red Sox negotiated naming rights with Rockland Trust — a bank chain with five branches in Worcester — for $80,000 per year, split evenly between the team and the WRA.

The WRA will accept proposals to operate the plaza through June 7. Find out specifics in the request for proposal document.