Coes Reservoir closed after cyanobacteria testing finds elevated levels
WORCESTER — Coes Reservoir has been closed to swimming, boating and fishing after testing revealed elevated levels of cyanobacteria, city officials said, while a Main Street playground prepares to shut down next week for construction work.
TOWN HALL
City officials closed Coes Reservoir to all recreational use — swimming, boating and fishing — after water testing detected elevated cyanobacteria levels, according to a Patch report also referenced in this roundup's Elsewhere section. Cyanobacteria blooms can pose health risks to people and pets who come into contact with affected water, and the closure will remain in effect until testing shows levels have receded.
Separately, the Bennet Field Playground at 1258 Main St. is scheduled to close next week for construction, per a Patch report. City officials have not yet indicated a target reopening date.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Worcester Public Library was honored as the recipient of the Subregional Library of the Year Award through a Library of Congress program recognizing accessible libraries, with the library feted at a July 22 luncheon, according to a Library of Congress announcement. The award recognizes work supporting patrons with disabilities and expanding access to library services across the region.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Coes Reservoir Closed Due To Cyanobacteria" — Worcester Patch reports the reservoir was closed to swimming, boating and fishing after testing found elevated bacteria levels, with city officials citing public health concerns (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/coes-reservoir-closed-due-cyanobacteria).
"Worcester Playground To Close For Construction" — Patch reports the Bennet Field Playground on Main Street will close next week for construction work, though a reopening timeline was not specified (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/worcester-playground-close-construction).
"Woman, man shot inside Worcester cigar bar, police say" — WCVB reports a man and woman were shot early Wednesday inside a Shrewsbury Street cigar bar, according to Worcester police (read it at https://www.wcvb.com/article/woman-man-shot-inside-worcester-cigar-bar-police-say/73227662).
"Hanover Theatre Kicks Off Christmas In July With Holiday Show Ticket Sales" — Patch reports the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory has begun ticket sales for its 2026 holiday season lineup well ahead of the winter season (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/hanover-theatre-kicks-christmas-july-holiday-show-ticket-sales).
"Steve Kerrigan, chairman of Mass. Democratic Party, arrested for OUI" — NBC Boston reports the state Democratic Party chairman was arrested on an OUI charge in Worcester, according to the outlet's coverage (read it at https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/steve-kerrigan-chairman-of-mass-democratic-party-arrested-for-oui/3986047/).