|
Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District and ASM Global Team Up to Install New Semi-Permanent Shed on Worcester Common
WORCESTER, MA – The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), in collaboration with ASM Global, the management firm at the DCU Center, has purchased and installed a new semi-permanent shed on the Worcester Common. This structure replaces the temporary shed that was traditionally set up each fall to support ice skate rentals for the popular winter skating activities on the Worcester Common Oval.
The new shed reflects the BID’s ongoing efforts to enhance the vibrancy and functionality of Downtown Worcester, and ASM Global’s commitment to supporting events and programming that draw thousands of people to Worcester’s city center each year. Unlike the previous seasonal structure, this new shed will be a year-round asset, serving a variety of community events and activities. ASM Global and the BID will make use of the shed for programming, operations, and other activities throughout the year.
“The new shed is a critical improvement for the ice-skating experience at the Oval Skating Rink, powered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts,” said Sandy Dunn of ASM Global and General Manager of the DCU Center. “In the past, the temporary shed was an important, but imperfect solution for managing skate rentals and supporting winter activities. This semi-permanent structure will provide a much-needed, weather-resistant space to serve skaters and eventgoers, and will improve the overall experience for them and for employees. We’re happy to partner with the Downtown Worcester BID on this project, and we see it as just the beginning of broader efforts to create additional amenities Downtown that can be enjoyed and accessed year-round by the community.”
“The addition of a new shed on the Common is an important step forward in the Downtown Worcester BID’s commitment to improving the experience and amenities in our neighborhood,” said Julian Wade, Board Chair of the Downtown Worcester BID. “By installing this semi-permanent structure, we’re not only enhancing winter ice skating but also testing the viability of incorporating more permanent, year-round infrastructure Downtown. This aligns with the BID’s long-term vision to create more dynamic, multi-purpose spaces that benefit residents, visitors, and businesses alike.”
Additionally, in response to the increased use of the Common, the BID and ASM Global have arranged for the installation of temporary porta potties on the Common for use during events over the course of the next year, with usage monitored by counters placed on the facilities to better understand demand.
Part of the BID’s broader mission is to advocate for quality-of-life improvements in the Downtown area. This includes exploring opportunities for structures like visitor centers and public restrooms that could enhance the experience of those who live, work, and visit Downtown Worcester. As part of these initiatives, the BID team has worked extensively over the past several years to research options, propose solutions, and advocate for additional public amenities that support Downtown residents and visitors.
The new shed and porta potties are already in place for the Winter 2024-2025 season of ice skating, which officially kicked off during the Festival of Lights held on Friday, December 6. Future uses will include supporting a variety of activities and programs on the Common, such as the Downtown Worcester BID’s Winter Festival on Saturday, February 1, 2025, and the Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers Market series starting in June, which the BID was recently awarded a $100,000 Urban Agenda Grant to expand in 2025.
As the BID continues to work with local and state partners, the goal is to identify additional opportunities to enhance the Downtown experience and secure funding for ongoing improvements.
For more information about the Downtown Worcester BID’s initiatives, visit downtownworcester.org.
| 
