Who was Titus Sparrow?
Titus Sparrow (1908-1974) was one of the founding members of the Saint Botolph Neighborhood Association.
A long-time resident of Durham Street, Titus Sparrow cared deeply for his neighborhood. 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. .Learn more about Titus here Friends of the Titus Sparrow Park
How lucky are we to live next to the best park in the city! 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.
The Friends of Titus Sparrow Park Walking Group is a monthly, all-ages walking series designed to bring neighbors together, explore Boston, and stay active in a relaxed, welcoming way.
After the overwhelming interest in their 2025 walking tours, They are excited to launch an ongoing walking group for the community. Each month, they'll walk in a different Boston neighborhood or green space—offering a fresh perspective on the city and a chance to connect with fellow park lovers. Walks are hosted by FTSP Board Member Irwin Levy, who guides each route and shares insights along the way. Routes vary in distance and terrain, and participants are always welcome to join for the full walk or step off early. This group is about participation, not pace. For more details click here Can trash cans make you happy? The Southwest Corridor Park trash barrels got a beautiful make-over during 2020/21 and if you find yourself spontaneously smiling as you walk through, it might just be because of the beautiful artwork on them created by local artist Elizabeth Taylor. Elizabeth is a visual artist who has been living and working in the South End for the past 20 years and her work touches on themes of natural preservation in the urban landscape and beyond.
Quarantined at home in early March, Elizabeth began experimenting with abstract shapes and colors based on leaves and flowers. When Franco at the SW Corridor asked if she could paint the barrels, she thought these designs would fit right in. The natural world has always been an inspiration for her, but this summer she has felt especially fortunate to be surrounded by such beautifully cultivated gardens and the people who made them. Thanks, Elizabeth, for making our corridor even more enjoyable! |
The Southwest Corridor Park Conservancy (SWCPC) is a volunteer not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004 to raise funds to maintain the beauty and functionality of the Southwest Corridor Park.
Their goal at the Conservancy is to restore, maintain, and enhance the park and to enrich our community's experience in the park. They want to be a catalyst for positive change. Since their beginning in 2004, they have been driven by the same ideas they founded their organization on: support, empowerment, and progress.   The Corridor has a redesigned Website!
Update, February 2026: Check out the redesigned website (by resident John Biske!) for the Corridor - the section nearest to our neighborhood of the Southwest Corridor. A particularly fascinating addition to the website is a look back at the history of the Southwest Corridor Park - check it out here. Congratulations John, on a beautiful and interesting website! Over the years, your generous contributions have helped make the Park a joyful urban sanctuary. Please make a small donation this year. As a volunteer organization, 100% of all funds go directly to maintaining the Park. Your continued support is deeply appreciated and will help keep the Park looking beautiful and a place of enjoyment for all.
To donate: Pay Pal: http://swcpc.org/ By check: Payable to SWCPC Box 171553, Boston, MA 02117 The Corridor Park Plant Sale 2025
Despite the rain, the hardy stewards of the Corridor were out in force for their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 10th, 2025. You can still show gratitude for this jewel of a park. Click here to see the many ways you can help. The Corridor Plant sale 2024
So wonderful to see neighbors at the annual Southwest Corridor Plant & Flower Sale and the corridor coming alive with colorful flowers, smiling residents, and singing birds! We are so fortunate to have the corridor and so thankful to the many who care for and manage it!. Go check out their website here.
|
|
You can find News & Updates at our bulletin board outside the 7-Eleven at the corner of Saint Botolph and West Newton Street. |
|
|