![[The Esplanade Association logo]](../images/logo_med_bluebg.gif){kind=logo}
Angelo Tilas knows the Esplanade like the back of his hand. He know which trees need pruning and where the fence needs repairing, he knows the regular joggers and when to expect the morning commuters, he knows the musicians names and what conductors want in their dressing rooms, and he knows which patch of grass needs reseeding and who to call to get the job done. Angelo is the Esplanade District Supervisor for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and he has been working along the river for over 20 years.
Over the years, Angelo has seen a lot of changes in the park, and is very optimistic and excited about the upcoming season. “Beautification—that’s the key word this year,” according to Angelo. Thanks in part to The Esplanade Association’s volunteers, Angelo has been able to get the park in good working order, and is now set to work on beautification projects like the addition of new plantings. He also expects an increase in staffing beginning this spring, which will result in better overall park maintenance, and is looking forward to the dock and granite landings restoration work.
Over the winter months, Angelo keeps himself busy by planning for the upcoming season on the Esplanade, making Hatch Shell repairs, and responding to urgent maintenance needs in the park. “There are people here 24-7, even in winter. There are joggers, bicyclists, and I see people on some of the coldest days come down here on their lunch breaks just to sit by the river,” he says. Like many DCR employees, Angelo also spends a good deal of time during the winter managing public skating rinks and snow removal efforts.
Like any successful event coordinator, Angelo loves a good party, and the 4th of July celebration on the Esplanade is his favorite. “It’s such a pleasure to see people using the park and having a good time. That’s what it’s all about,” Angelo says. The Esplanade owes a lot to this positive attitude, and the park wouldn’t be the same without Angelo’s energy, expertise, and vision.
Andrea Connors has been working for the DCR, or its earlier incarnation, the MDC, for over 19 years. Before coming to work on the Esplanade, Andrea made her mark on DCR reservations at Breakheart, Nahant Beach, and Spot Pond, and she spent 10 years working with the State Police mounted unit. That assignment was a natural fit for Andrea, who has her own registered quarter horse that she enjoys showing throughout New England.
On the Esplanade, Andrea is responsible for park maintenance and she assists with the management of special events. For the record, her green thumb is to be credited for the beautiful flower beds on the side of the Hatch Shell, her goodwill praised for the water basins full of clean drinking water for thirsty dogs, and her cooking celebrated by the rest of the happily-fed DCR staff. She would love to see the Lotta Fountain restored as a drinking basin for animals, and is looking forward to the restoration work being done on the granite landings.
Some of Andrea’s favorite things about her job are the opportunities she has to get to know the people who use the Esplanade regularly. Traveling through the park with Andrea, one might get the sense that she actually knows everyone there – and the name of their dog. Her amiable and warm personality brings life and light to the Esplanade, and we are lucky to have her!
Photo ©2003 Jeryl Oristaglio
The Esplanade Association
10 Derne Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.227.0365
