Indian Lake, once known as North Pond, is located in the northwest portion of the city. North Pond was the peak source of water for the Blackstone River. In 1828, a dam was built at the outlet of the pond to increase the amount of water for use by the Blackstone Canal. This new reservoir was part of a system of lakes and ponds used to control the flow of water in the Blackstone Canal. However, the canal was a short lived project that vanished due to the rising use of the rail system and complaints from mill owners within the Blackstone River watershed.
Indian Lake was also home to a local ice harvesting operation. During the days before automated ice-making machines, the harvesting of ice on local lakes and ponds was a big business employing hundreds of local residents. During a few short weeks in the winter, men would begin the harvest in mid-January or when the ice was about eighteen inches thick. Ice harvesting began in Worcester in 1848, with Dr. Benjamin F. Heywood harvesting ponds and providing ice to the local establishments. A few years later, Benjamin Walker bought the ice harvesting business and in 1855, established the Walker Ice Company with Samuel S. Sweetser. A storage facility was established on the western shore of Indian Lake, where Morgan Park is now located. This facility would harvest approximately 15,000 to 18,000 tons of ice per year. The Walker Coal and Ice Company continued to harvest ice from Indian Lake, until its storage facility burned down in 1935. From the early days as the power source used for mills during the industrial revolution, to today's recreational uses, this body of water, now nearly two hundred acres (193 acres) in total, has played a significant role in Worcester's history. As the city has developed, the land around Indian Lake has remained primarily residential in nature.
Today, activities on Indian Lake include boating (motorized and non-motorized), swimming and fishing.
Please Be Advised: The use of personal watercraft on Indian Lake is prohibited.
Indian Lake Beach (34 Sherburne Avenue, Worcester MA) on the eastern side of Indian Lake, has a small public beach. It is located within a residential neighborhood.
Morgan Landing (580 Grove Street, Worcester, MA) on the western side of Indian Lake has a boat ramp, the only public boat ramp in the City, allowing for use of motorized and non-motorized boats. You can also enjoy a picnic area, tennis court, fishing dock and small walking path.
Shore Park (85 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA) on the north end of Indian Lake has a large public beach, a renovated bathhouse (2018), and picnic areas.
View some of the other parks in this district. Get out and explore!
This park is the home of the Joe Schwartz little league. It also has a softball field, baseball field, two little league fields, basketball court, multi-purpose field and a playground. The multi-purpose field is used mostly for soccer and football games, depending on the time of year.
Great Brook Valley Playground has a softball field and a multi-purpose field for playing sports and games! This park also abuts the Poor Farm Brook on its north-east corner. Nearby to Great Brook Valley Playground are Holland Rink Playground and Tacoma Street Playground.
Burncoat Street Playground is the northern most public park in Worcester. Located between Burncoat Street and West Boylston Street, this park has a basketball court, tennis and volleyball court, as well as a playground. Burncoat Street Playground is close to Kendrick Field.
