Mayor Wu and Boston Parks and Recreation Department Celebrate the Opening of Paula Titus Park

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~ On June 4, 2024, Mayor Michelle Wu joined the community of Roxbury in celebrating the opening of Paula Titus Park. The 8,000-square-foot park, located at 66 Fort Avenue, was made possible by a collaboration between the city and the Titus family.

The park's creation was inspired by Paula Titus, a beloved member of the Highland Park community who passed away after battling cancer. Her husband, Charlie Titus, approached the Parks Department in 2017 with the idea of turning a vacant parcel next to their home into a public park in honor of his late wife. With support from the Mayor's Office of Housing and funding from the Community Preservation Act and the city's capital budget, plans for Paula Titus Park began to take shape.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Wu expressed her gratitude to the Titus family for their efforts in creating this new green space for the community. She emphasized that parks are more than just open spaces; they are an integral part of a community's heart and soul.

Paula Pina Titus was born into a proud Cape Verdean family and moved to Boston in 1974. She lived on Fort Avenue for four decades and was known for her kindness and dedication to her family and neighbors. Her husband also had a long career serving the city as an Associate Parks Commissioner.

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Charlie Titus spoke on behalf of his family at the opening ceremony, expressing their gratitude to Mayor Wu and Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods for making Paula's vision a reality. He shared that Paula had always wanted to keep 66 Fort Ave as a green space for neighbors and others to enjoy. With this park, her legacy of caring for her community will live on.

The design process for Paula Titus Park began in early 2021 with input from the community. The top priorities were creating a peaceful gathering space with shade and seating options, as well as a small play area for young children. The final design includes a pergola for shade, porous pavers, game and café tables, benches, and an open lawn with new tree plantings. The stairs and stone wall also feature Cape Verdean patterning to honor Paula's heritage and connect the park to the neighborhood.

Commissioner Ryan Woods praised the park's design, stating that it reflects Paula's way of living with peaceful and active spaces seamlessly integrated. He also acknowledged her leadership and mentorship within the community. Woods believes that Paula Titus Park is a true testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.

For more information on Paula Titus Park or other parks in Boston, please contact the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505. Stay updated on news, events, and improvements by signing up for their email list or following their social media channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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