Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of the Union Park Neighborhood Association (UPNA)?
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The UPNA serves the South End community from Tremont Street to Harrison Avenue and from Upton Street up to the alley between Union Park and Waltham Street. The UPNA interacts with city officials on behalf of the neighborhood and represents the neighborhood in various zoning issues. The UPNA collaborates with other South End organizations to work on policy change, public works matters, parking regulations, and more.
What are the guidelines for usage of Union Park?
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Union Park is designated as an ornamental park by the City of Boston. It is a historic, landscaped green space designed primarily for visual appeal and neighborhood ambiance rather than active recreation. Constructed in 1852, Union Park is the oldest residential park in the South End. While it offers a peaceful, landscaped setting for residents and visitors, Union Park is not open to the public on a regular basis or designed for active play or sports, distinguishing it from recreational parks. However, the park is opened to the public on a few occasions throughout the year as determined by the UPNA.
What are the annual expenses for the UPNA, and where can I see financial information?
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For 2026, the Union Park Neighborhood Association estimates $25,000 to maintain the neighborhood’s basic needs as Union Park receives no city funding. These needs include but are not limited to trash clean-up, park maintenance, fountain maintenance, and neighborhood events. UPNA financial information is reviewed during its General Meeting, which members of the community are welcome to attend.
When are UPNA general meetings held?
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General Meetings, open to all owners and residents, are held at least once per year (typically April or May) plus whenever the Board feels that an additional General Meeting is needed. The UPNA Board meets regularly during the year as well.
How are funds spent that are raised by the UPNA?
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Funds donated to UPNA General Fund are spent to improve the neighborhood. Most notably, UPNA employs someone to clean the neighborhood streets and alleys twice a week, typically following city trash collections. In addition, UPNA may create special funds focused on tree trimming or a major project. The Friends of Union Park (FUP) restricted fund is used solely for the park for fountain maintenance, landscaping, holiday decorations, irrigation maintenance, and other park-related needs. The Board also contributes funds toward various other neighborhood improvements projects. Typically, these represent a portion of a larger fund-raising effort, particularly when the initiative impacts only a part of the neighborhood. A portion of UPNA funds are used by the Activities Committee to hold various events throughout the year (e.g., UPNA Socials, Evenings in the Park, the Holiday Party, etc.) that are not covered by sponsorships from local businesses. Finally, UPNA occasionally contributes to external initiatives, such as the South End youth league baseball team and various cultural events in the South End. The UPNA is classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
What is the difference between the UPNA and Friends of Union Park (FUP)?
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The UPNA represents the entire neighborhood. FUP (Friends of Union Park) is a division of the UPNA that cares for Union Park. FUP fund-raising is separate from the general UPNA appeal, and any funds donated to FUP are used exclusively toward the care of Union Park (the park, not the street). Although the UPNA and FUP accounts are not co-mingled, UPNA funds may be directed toward the care of Union Park should FUP funds be insufficient to cover the maintenance costs.
The City of Boston owns Union Park. Through an agreement with the city, the UPNA has assumed care of the park and the city allows the neighborhood association to control usage. The park must follow City of Boston park rules and regulations and cannot be closed down for private use.
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Who owns Union Park?
How do I sign up to receive emails concerning matters of interest to the neighborhood (e.g., parking bans and street closures) as well as ongoing social and cultural events or concerns to the neighborhood?
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Email upna.president@gmail.com or sign up on our website’s home page.
What role does UPNA assume on zoning appeals filed by residents and businesses in the neighborhood?
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Some proposals are presented, discussed and voted upon at the UPNA General Meetings. On occasion, if timing necessitates quicker action, UPNA will act through a vote of the Board. In these situations, the Board seeks to ensure that concerns of abutters are addressed. Yet, in its decisions and recommendations, the Board attempts to act in the interests of the neighborhood in general, which may or may not be consistent with those of individual owners and residents. In addition, input from residents is typically solicited through the messages sent to everyone on the UPNA email list.
The UPNA Board, composed of no more than 15 members, is elected each year by a vote taken at the first General Meeting of the neighborhood (typically by the end of March). All residents and owners are permitted to participate. UPNA prefers to have broad representation of the neighborhood in terms of street and owner/renter status. After the election, the Board selects the UPNA officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary). The President is the sole officer who holds a two-year term. In addition, various working committees (Activities, Zoning, and Development, among others) are staffed with Board and non-Board members.