Boston, MassachusettsBoston, MassachusettsBoston, MassachusettsRussell Eng is a longtime resident in the Boston area and is known for his leadership in preserving one of the neighborhood’s most treasured traditions: the 9‑man volleyball courts at Reggie Wong Memorial Park. 9‑man, a unique Chinese‑American form of volleyball that began in Chinatown in the 1930s, has become an important cultural and social touchstone for Chinese immigrant communities across North America.
As President of Friends of Reggie Wong Park, Russell has spearheaded initiatives to ensure the park remains a vibrant, community-controlled space. He collaborated with the Chinatown Community Land Trust and residents to secure long-term agreements with state authorities, while advocating for necessary improvements and addressing safety and environmental concerns that could jeopardize the park.
Having grown up playing volleyball at Reggie Wong Park, Russell sees the game as more than recreation—it’s a way to strengthen community ties and sustain Chinatown’s cultural identity. He also mentors and coaches younger players, passing on both the sport and its traditions to the next generation.
Thanks to Russell’s efforts, the park continues to be a central gathering place in Chinatown, where neighbors connect, traditions are honored, and stories of the community’s past and present come to life on the courts.
— Russell Eng