Blackstone Gateway Park is located approximately three miles south of the Worcester Downtown Business District on the edge of the Quinsigamond Village neighborhood.
This new riverfront park stands out as a unique urban park in the City providing recreational amenities while maintaining the feel of a forested park surrounded by flowing water and stands of large canopy trees. Be sure to visit during the Fall as well to take in the picturesque foliage!
The park features 3,000 linear feet (about a half-mile) of accessible walking paths, elevated boardwalks and three bridges crossing a section of the Middle River that runs into the headwaters of the Blackstone River, adjacent to McKeon Road. The park also features a brand new visitor center!
Included along the trails and boardwalks are observational platforms, kiosks and interpretive signage providing historical and ecological information about the Blackstone River and the role it played in the history of Worcester and the Blackstone Valley Corridor.
Immerse yourself in nature as you walk the Blackstone Gateway Park boardwalk and trails. Included along the trails and boardwalks are observational platforms, kiosks and interpretive signage providing historical and ecological information about the Blackstone River and the role it played in the history of Worcester and the Blackstone Valley Corridor.
The Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center is a full service, multi-use facility, featuring a welcoming area, historic and cultural exhibits, a theater, restroom facilities, an adjacent passive recreation lawn and office, classroom and function space.
The Visitor Center also houses the Central Region Headquarters for the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation. As such, it offers a regional launching point for the exploration of the state park system in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as the Blackstone River Bikeway and Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.
Included along the trails and boardwalks are observational platforms, kiosks, and interpretive signage providing historical and ecological information about the Blackstone River and the role it played in the history of Worcester and the Blackstone Valley Corridor.
View some of the other parks in this district. Get out and explore!
Vernon Hill Park is a 15-acre park located atop Vernon Hill. This park features a playground, two baseball fields, two softball fields, a basketball court, a swimming pool and a dog park! It is the home of East Side Babe Ruth. Vernon Hill Dog Park is the first ever dog park to open in Worcester.
The Harvey Ball Conservation Area, also known as Ball Property, is a City park consisting only of a nature trail. This conservation area is used as a wildlife sanctuary. Located along the Blackstone River and Broad Meadow Brook Trail, this area is known as the "Smiley Face" Trail.
Blithewood Park features a playground, basketball court, baseball field, historic gazebo, and on-site parking. The Park got an upgrade in 2014. This re-vamp included, a new playground, fencing, accessible walkway upgrades and the gazebo got a new roof, repair of worn boards and a complete repainting.