Commission approves summer roller-skating nights at Worcester Common Oval; staff to work out logistics with BID and partners

The Parks and Recreation Commission on May 8 approved a proposal to host weekly roller-skating nights at the Worcester Common Oval during summer evenings, asking Parks staff to work with the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) and event partners on logistics.

Kelsey Roth, who proposed the idea, said she and her wife struggled to find safe, flat places to skate and suggested the oval as a natural summertime use: "If we can do ice skating in the winter, why not do roller skating in the summer?" Roth said.

Assistant Commissioner Rob Antonelli told commissioners the idea is feasible but raises logistical questions because the oval currently holds tables, chairs and umbrellas that are heavy and not easily moved. He said the administration would work with the BID, cultural affairs and partner groups to develop an operational plan for moving or storing plaza furniture, managing public safety and coordinating shifts between other events. "We would recommend approval, with the details to be worked out between the city, the BID, and the other organizations and interested parties," Antonelli said.

Commissioners discussed safety accommodations such as side rails and crowd control; Antonelli said the boards used during winter ice rink installation are not a practical seasonal install/uninstall solution and that event partners would need to provide any special rails or temporary barriers. The commission approved the motion to proceed with staff coordinating details and asked for an update at the June 12 meeting.

Next steps: Parks staff will coordinate with the BID, event organizers and cultural affairs to draft a logistics plan, permitting steps and a schedule; staff will report back at the June meeting.