Let’s envision a
new way forward!
There are alternatives to the City’s proposed plan to renovate White Stadium along with a professional sports team. We know we can do better. Here is one such idea. Please join us on Feb. 6, 2025 at Lena Park Community Center to share ideas that work for everyone.
The diagram to the right shows an alternative vision for the renovation of White Stadium for the BPS school children and the community. It is only a one option! We believe that there should be a robust public process to discuss what the public wants without sacrificing access and other negative environmental and community impacts that come with a professional sports team partnership. This example would:
Renovate and fully upgrade the West Portion of the Stadium in its current location, with modern features for high school sports (including football), new BPS offices, new restrooms and other spaces as desired.
Provide a new 8 -lane track (instead of current 6 lane-track)
Rebuild the bleachers seating on the east side (the side that was ruined by arson) and include other spaces to be developed/determined.
This would preserve the two tennis courts and basketball courts, and not result in the loss of two acres of green space, and would not require removal of 145 or more trees.
The current proposal (Boston Unity Soccer Partners) would almost fully demolish the entire stadium and field and two acres of surrounding green space, salvaging one portion of one wall, eliminate two tennis courts, remove 145 or more trees, and is estimated to cost over $200M (so far) and has long term major obligations for maintenance and major and challenging transportation impacts. Experts and others have gathered examples of high school football and other sports facilities built within the Massachusetts and greater Boston areas recently which have generally cost between $8 Million and $20 million.
The public land protection act (article 97) and MEPA would both require the development of alternatives. So far, the city has not provided any alternative plans for the renovation of White Stadium. It is up to the people of Boston to demand these alternative plans be developed. We encourage you to share your thoughts for this cherished stadium and for the future of Franklin Park with your elected officials and sign our petition asking that the two professional soccer teams share the Everett stadium now being developed.
Also, please sign up below to be kept informed on future public meetings and information on how you can advocate for your school children and parkland.
