Officially Open: All Worcester Beaches, Pool, Spray Parks

WORCESTER, MA — Although many are already using Worcester's freshwater beaches, the city's 2024 swimming season officially gets underway today.

The city's two spray parks at East Park and Greenwood Park opened last Wednesday, and the Crompton Park pool and the beaches at Indian Lake Park, Coes Pond, Bell Pond and Shore Park opened Monday.

(The Crompton Park pool was closed Monday due to an equipment failure that prevented proper cleaning of the water. The pool should reopen Tuesday, officials said.)

A big difference compared to previous swimming years in Worcester: the freshwater beaches will have full lifeguard protection. Labor shortages and other issues left Bell Pond and Coes Beach unguarded in recent years, and the Indian Lake Park beach was completely closed in 2023.

For this summer, Worcester has entered into an agreement with the YMCA of Central Massachusetts to staff beaches with lifeguards. They will be on duty seven days, noon to 7 p.m. through Aug. 18. The spray parks will close on Sept. 2.

"We know that the City’s pools, beaches, and spray parks provide recreation, socialization, and much needed relief from the heat to residents of all ages. We are extremely grateful for the YMCA of Central Massachusetts’ partnership and look forward to a fun, safe summer," City Manager Eric Batista said in a news release.

There are several other swimming options in Worcester operated by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. DCR opened the Dennis Shine Jr. pool at Vernon Hill Park and the Bennett Field pools last week. Those will be open 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. daily until Aug. 18.

The Lake Quinsigamond State Park beaches at Lake Park and Regatta Point will each be open until Sept. 2. Lifeguards will only be on duty at Lake Park until Aug. 18, but until Sept. 2 at Regatta Point.