* In 1998, the Worcester East Side CDC and UMass Memorial Health Care established the Worcester East Side Healthy Community Initiative.  In collaboration with various health, environmental, and social service organizations, the City of Worcester, private foundations, residents, and businesses, we work to improve the quaility of life and the overall health of the community.  These efforts include: affordable housing, business assistance, neighborhood parks and playgrounds, community gardens, access to healthcare services for families, neighborhood clean-ups, literacy and cultural programs, and neighborhood associations.

 * The creation of a neighborhood park at the corner of Laurel Street and Eastern Avenue was a significant collaborative project that included the efforts of the CDC, the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Health Care. The Betty Price Playground was named to honor a local community activist who was dedicated to Worcester youth. This "intergenerational" park offers recreation opportunities for both children and adults living in the neighborhood.

 * We work with the Shrewsbury St. Area Merchant's Association on beautification, planning,  promotional and commercial revitalization projects for the benefit of the community.  We also work with merchants on Belmont and Lincoln streets to enhance their commercial districts.

* Other events that the CDC helps to sponsor include the annual Earth Day clean-up and community lunch in collaboration with UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. and the Worcester Regional Environmental Council.  The National Night Out celebration in August, also in collaboration with UMass Memorial Health Care, offers an afternoon/evening of food, entertainment and public safety information for East Side residents.

   The Betty Price Playground