Parks Commission names East Park playground for Gary Vecchio

The Worcester City Parks Commission voted to approve a request from District 2 Councilor Candy Merrill Carlson to name the playground at East Park (Christopher Colombo Park) in honor of Gary Vecchio.

Councilor Candy Merrill Carlson asked the commission "to approve the naming of the playground at East Park... in honor of Gary Vecchio," and described Vecchio as a longtime neighborhood advocate who "took care of Shrewsbury Street, East Park" and who had served on local boards and task forces. Commissioners and neighborhood representatives present described Vecchio’s long record of volunteer work, his leadership of the Shrewsbury Street Neighborhood Association and his involvement in park projects; one supporter said the playground “really got done because of Gary.”

A commissioner raised whether the commission should instead rename the entire park rather than just the playground; staff and council representatives explained East Park already has multiple names and that the playground specifically reflects Vecchio’s work for children and families. Commissioners noted precedents in past park dedications where a portion of a park was dedicated to a contemporary figure while retaining the historic park name.

After discussion, Commissioner [name recorded as motion maker] moved to approve the renaming; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call with commissioners voting yes. The commission instructed staff to proceed with the formal renaming steps.

Ending: Staff will work with the councilor and neighborhood representatives on signage and the formal dedication process.