The Friends of Titus Sparrow Park foster joy and connection through community updates and events at our beloved South End Park.
Together, we create a space of belonging for all.
Our Board is led by local residents who volunteer their time to support Titus Sparrow Park and lead its community programming.
Leadership
Shayna Keshian, President
Cara Sipprelle, Board Chair
Tait Nielson, Treasurer
Supriya Yagnik, Clerk
Members
Alyssa Meers
Angela Cirami,
Community Garden Plots
Christine Travers
Doug Miller
Gary Bailey
Hannah Abe
Committee Chairs
Anjali Iyengar, Park Beautification
Sarah Moser, Fundraising
Shayna Keshian, Programming
Tappy Kimpel, Dogs
Hilary Neville,
Summer Concert Lead
Irwin Levy
Karen Fiorile
Samantha Grosvenor
Shelley Brown
Stephanie Botica
Grand Reopening
The Friends of Titus Sparrow Park celebrated the park’s reopening in November 2024, following a major renovation by the Boston Parks Department. Over 350 community members attended the event, including Mayor Wu, Representative Moran, and Councilor Flynn.
Titus Sparrow Park History
The creation of Titus Sparrow Park in the 70’s brought together residents of four surrounding neighborhoods (Claremont, Cosmopolitan, St. Botolph, and Pilot Block) and the Union United Methodist Church. Their goal was to create mixed uses for all ages and levels of energy, but not to overbuild. The park would be restful while also including spaces for activity, such as the sledding hill in winter and the basketball and tennis courts in warmer weather. Cross paths were designed to bring everyone into the park, and to create a vibrant mix of ages and backgrounds. The park was opened and dedicated to Titus Sparrow in June 1976.
A long-time resident of Durham Street, Titus Sparrow cared deeply for his neighborhood in the South End. He was a devoted tennis player, and began tennis programs for children at nearby Carter Field. Titus Sparrow helped to form the Sportsmen’s Tennis Club, which for decades has provided city children with the opportunity to learn the game at no cost. In 1956, he became the first African-American umpire of the United States Tennis Association. He officiated at the Davis Cup, the U.S. Open, and the Longwood Tennis Club in Brookline. He planned to give free tennis lessons on the court in the new park. At a time when city officials paid little attention to poor minority areas, he encouraged his neighbors to be politically active and take responsibility for their community. He died before the park was completed in 1976. Because of his commitment to his community, the park, which includes a tennis court, was named in his honor.