WORCESTER – Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Legislature unanimously passed a $52.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2023.
The FY23 budget includes several items secured by state Senator Michael Moore (D- Second Worcester), including $500,000 toward improvements at the Little League field at East Park. The updated field will help replace the Joe DiMaggio Little League field that was sold along with the property at Mount Carmel Church.
On Thursday, Senator Moore posted to social media, “The Mount Carmel Church baseball field was a space that the children and families of Central Worcester counted on to get outdoors, and its loss will leave a hole in the neighborhood. I’m proud to have secured $500,000 of state funding to create and maintain a new baseball field in the same neighborhood to ensure families will have a place to get together with their community and play America’s favorite pastime.”
The funds will go towards a new infield, as well as the construction of new dugouts, a concession stand, field lights and a parking lot behind the field off of Risso Court. Thirty parking spaces are proposed for the new lot.
This spring, the City of Worcester’s Department of Public Works held a public forum to get input from residents.
The field is currently overgrown, with grass coming up through the infield dirt. The dugout benches have significant wear and the park area closest to third base line is completely overgrown.
Lead image: East Park Little League field on Saturday, July 23/Patrick Sargent for ThisWeekinWorcester.com
