WORCESTER — Families filled the newly opened Coal Mine Brook Park Monday, checking out its new amenities like a brand new playground, outdoor fitness park and benches to take in the view of nearby Lake Quinsigamond.
The park, which broke ground in July 2022, is located between Plantation Street and North Lake Avenue and opened to the public Friday, said Matthew Moore, a spokesperson with the city.
“It’s nice to have a park closer than Quinsigamond (State Park),” said Yonara Balcos, 22. “We can walk rather than drive.”
Balcos, who was with her sister Morica, 23, said they had been waiting for the park to open for a while and were excited to see it finally open to the public.
Morica said the park was nice and that she saw it becoming a regular spot for her and her sister.
In 2020, former City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr., sought authorization from the City Council to apply for a $750,000 National Park Service grant through the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, division of conservation services.
The hope was to use, in addition to the grant, money totaling $1 million to renovate the Coal Mine Brook conservation area and improve the eastern part of the East-West hiking trail.
The city announced it awarded the grant in 2021 and the renovations would involve, among other things, the playground and adult fitness area, new walkways and trails, overlooks of Coal Mine Brook and benches and picnic areas.
JAM Corporation was the contractor hired to complete the project, Moore said. City Manager Eric D. Batista provided the following statement about the new park:
“I am pleased to open the newest park in Worcester as the City continues to prioritize and invest in green space, recreation, and enhanced quality of life for all neighborhoods. Complementing Lake Quinsigamond, Coal Mine Brook, and the East-West trail network, the park gives residents another opportunity to access and enjoy Worcester’s natural resources. I want to thank the Department of Public Works and Parks for facilitating the project, JAM Corporation for their work, and the National Park Service and the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant that made this beautification effort possible.”
The park was named after the brook, which is named for a coal mine that operated in the area from about 1828 until the 1830s, Moore said.
And with construction taking just over a year, families enjoying the offerings Monday said they had been eagerly awaiting its opening.
For Rachel Carito, 39, who was with her daughter, Luna, 4, it was already their second time at the park.
“It’s great,” she said. “I love the paved paths for bike rides. They help make up for the lack of sidewalks in the city.”
Luna said she liked the seesaw and the small hill near the playground that she could ride her scooter down.
Carito said she was excited to be able to use the outdoor fitness equipment, known as the “Healthbeat Circuit,” when she visits, since it can be difficult to find time to exercise otherwise.
“I love the idea of the adults’ area,” she said. “It’s great they’re trying to encourage health and fitness.”
Efrain Matias, 26, who was with his daughter, Avery, 4, said he was also looking forward to using the workout equipment, which has signs nearby giving people tips on the types of exercises they do with the equipment.
“It’s great since it’s fairly rare,” he said. “I like this park. I think it’s good for the kids and adults.”
