Elm Park is a historic public park in Worcester. Originally called “New Common”, the original 27 acres of Elm Park were purchased in 1854, thus making Worcester one of the first cities in the United States to expend public funds to purchase land for use as a public park.

Elm Park is one of Worcester’s most beloved parks and open space assets. It is a historic park that was established by a progressive City looking to preserve open space for the enjoyment of its citizens. The most highly developed portion of the park is “Olmstedian” in nature and is located to the south of Park Avenue. Much of the park’s 58 acres are less developed (located north of Park Avenue) and typified by woodlands and trails. Numerous historic structures dot the landscape of Elm Park.

Elm Park is split in two by Park Avenue. Much of the west side of the park, Newton Hilli (a separate eBird hotspot), is wooded trails, but there is a lighted basketball court and four lighted tennis courts on the farthest western end at Newton Square. The eastern side of the park contains ponds for ice skating in the winter and two iconic bridges spanning Lincoln Pond in the middle of the park. This side of the park also contains a playground and picnic area to enjoy.

The Elm Park Summer Concert Series has been held at Elm Park since the early 1990s. It features musical performances, mostly local musicians, while the audience can enjoy an evening outside in one of Worcester’s great parks.