O'Day Playground also known as Peace Park is a small park near the Villa Victoria built after shootings in 2006. It has a large airy feel and has some shade in the morning. It has a separate section for smaller children (1-5) as well as a larger play structure for older kids. It also has a fake fire hydrant that is a fountain. Late afternoon it can get very crowded with older kids.

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Blackstone has a nice pool - newly resurfaced in 2007 and the water is a good temp. Family times vary - double check the schedule by calling before you go. It's a community center, so while the pool is FREE, it can get quite crowded and many of the different community groups (USES, St. Stephen's) have blocks of time set aside for their exclusive use. Facilities are bare minimum

Titus Sparrow Park is in the South End between Huntington and Columbus Streets, next to the Southwest Corridor. It's a great family-friendly enclave secluded within the hustle and bustle of the city. They have tennis, basketball courts, a jungle gym and a grassy area that's perfect for a picnic. Also, the Titus Sparrow Park is a great spot to walk your dog (on-leash). Titus Sparrow Park was created in 1976, and after nearly 30 years of intensive use, the Boston Parks Department gave Titus Sparrow Park a major rehabilitation. Since reopening in 2005, the park is more heavily used than ever by all ages all over it -- sledding, rolling, sun-bathing, sitting, football and baseball games, and splendid children's programs and evening concerts in the summer. On a warm weekend the basketball courts, swings, play structures, and tennis courts will be packed. There's even a pet water fountain for all of the neighborhood dogs. Titus Sparrow Park is named for an active resident of the South End, Titus Sparrow. Founder of the Sportsmen's Tennis Club and the first African American umpire in the USTA, Titus Sparrow developed a progam that allows less fortunate children to learn the game of tennis for free. Today, the park is bustling with children and adults of all ages. The beautiful landscape and fun play structures make it a popular meeting place for nannies and parents alike. The South End is famous for it's parks, however, Titus Sparrow is definitely one of the nicest in the neighborhood. The park is primarily volunteer-maintained by the "Friends of Titus Sparrow Park." Currently, they need volunteers to help with gardening, graphic design, and public relations. For more details, see their volunteer page. There are 15 community gardens, open to residents of the four neighborhoods involved in designing the park.