Franklin Park Defenders Statement on the Massachusetts SJC Decision for White Stadium & Franklin Park

Envision a Public White Stadium

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Envision a FULLY PUBLIC White Stadium for students & the community!

The demolition of White Stadium and parts of Franklin Park has already begun, making it more urgent than ever to take action. The City of Boston and Boston Unity Soccer Partners LLC have pushed forward with their expansion and renovation plans for White Stadium without proper environmental review or meaningful community input. There is still time to hault the private-public plan and build a high quality facility for the students & the community.

A FULLY PUBLIC PLAN WOULD:

Cost less than a third of the current $172M+ estimate, leaving $ for other much-needed
school renovations

Allow BPS students to have FULL access every day of the year

Remove the negative impacts of traffic gridlocks, parking restrictions and air, light and noise

White Stadium & Franklin Park Legal Update: Decision Reached

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has reached a decision in our case regarding the future of White Stadium. Please review the Emerald Necklace Conservancy's statement on the decision below. We remain deeply grateful to the many organizations and individuals contributing to the advocacy and protection of Franklin Park.

Emerald Necklace Conservancy Statement on the Massachusetts SJC Decision for White Stadium & Franklin Park

38 local organizations have joined the Franklin Park Defenders by signing our Statement of Principles:

ArborwayMatters
Authentic Caribbean Foundation Inc.
Bay Staters for Creative Well-Being
The Black Lotus Cooperative Inc.
Boston Bengals Pop Warner program
The Boston Committee
Boston Jobs Coalition
Canadian Park Training
Coalition for Regionwide Services Beyond Franklin Park (CORES)
Community Health Partnerships
Contemporations, Inc.
D5 Advocates
Don Mitchell & Associates, LLC
The Enviro Show
FACTS Association/Xchange
Families for Justice as Healing
Friends of Melnea Cass Boulevard
Friends of the Notch Forest
Garden Club of the Back Bay

Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Council
Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council
Greene & Greene Realty
Hancock Street Civic Association
Highland Park Neighborhood Coalition
Marcus Anthony Hall Educational Institute
Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition
Methunion Manor Cooperative Corporation
NAACP Boston Branch
Neighborhood Schools, Inc.
Olmsted Network
The People's Academy
Polonia Auto Sales
Power of Skirts Collective
Quick Erruns
Roxbury Neighborhood Council
Trees as a Public Good Network
The Trustees Collaborative for Parks & Open Space
The Urban Biodiversity Project

They are joined by 1,007 individuals who have signed the Statement of Principles—view the list of public signers below:

List of Defenders

(updated regularly)

LATEST NEWS

Dorchester Reporter

June 12, 2026

Residents push back on White Stadium parking, transportation plans at heated meeting

A meeting held in Dorchester on Thursday evening (June 11) to discuss parking and transportation issues around White Stadium was contentious at times with residents yelling at city officials on hand to discuss the finer points of their lease agreement with a professional women’s soccer club set to make partial use of the re-built facility in Franklin Park next year.

Dorchester Reporter

June 10, 2026

A ‘fair’ in Roxbury lets residents assess new furniture setup at White Stadium

As plans for the new White Stadium continue to take shape, community members gathered last Tuesday (June 2) to help decide a detail that project officials say will have a lasting impact on how the space serves the people who use it: the furniture.

The Boston Globe

June 8, 2026

The limits of Mayor Wu’s hardball politics

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/08/opinion/michelle-wu-nick-collins-senate-race/?bblinkid=289713366&bbemailid=62666703&bbejrid=-886708875

WBZ NewsRadio

June 2, 2026

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy Challenges Boston To Visit All Its Parks

Between now and Sept. 30, the conservancy is asking folks to travel the routes of the parks that make up the Emerald Necklace, which include Franklin Park, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, Riverway, and Back Bay Fens.

Stephen's Substack

June 2, 2026

White Elephant Stadium

Kudos to the Boston Legacy! In their first season, they’ve managed to put a competitive team on the field and draw good crowds and energy to Gillette and Centerville Bank Stadium (RI).

Boston Business Journal

May 26, 2026

Boston soccer club hits 50% supplier diversity goal as White Stadium renovation advances

General Air will deliver HVAC services valued at $10 million for the renovation of White Stadium. Garrett Alexander's father founded the Dorchester-based business in 1981.

Read the NEW report on an alternate concept to foster conversation on White Stadium!

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For decades, Dr. Jean McGuire has been a trailblazer in Boston’s fight for education, civil rights, and stronger communities. Today, she continues that legacy by standing up for environmental justice and the protection of Franklin Park.

Dr. McGuire knows that our public spaces belong to the people. She stands with the Franklin Park Defenders in opposing the privatization of our park and fighting to ensure Franklin Park remains public, accessible, and accountable to the communities that have cared for it for generations.

Thank you, Dr. McGuire, for continuing to lead, speak out, and stand with our community. 💚✊🏾

Environmental justice IS social justice.

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #EnvironmentalJustice #Boston #Roxbury #Dorchester #Mattapan #PublicLand

WHY DID THE COURT RULE AGAINST THE WHITE STADIUM CHALLENGE?

The decision comes down to a legal timeline spanning nearly 80 years.

1883 - Boston acquired the White Stadium parcel as public parkland.
1947 & 1950 - The Court found that laws passed during this period changed the parcel’s legal status before Article 97 was adopted in 1972.
Today - Because of that history, the SJC determined that the White Stadium parcel is not protected by Article 97.

Importantly, the ruling is specific to the White Stadium parcel. Franklin Park as a whole remains protected under Article 97.

The ruling is in. Our work continues.

Learn more at franklinparkdefenders.com

#FranklinPark #FranklinParkDefenders #WhiteStadium #Article97 #ProtectFranklinPark #Boston

Our fight to protect Franklin Park continues.

While the lawsuit before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has concluded, the concerns of our community have not.

We remain clear: a professional soccer stadium does not belong in Franklin Park.

This ruling does not erase the environmental justice concerns, restricted public access, increased congestion, or the impact this project will have on the communities surrounding the park. We continue to believe that a smaller, less expensive, fully public stadium would better serve Boston’s student-athletes while protecting Franklin Park and neighboring communities.

With more than 1,000 individuals and 38 community organizations standing together, the Franklin Park Defenders will continue fighting for environmental justice, transparency, accountability, and a truly public Franklin Park.

This fight is not over. Franklin Park belongs to the people.

See our full statement from the Franklin Park Defenders attached or go to https://franklinparkdefenders.com/ for more information.

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #SaveFranklinPark #EnvironmentalJustice #PublicLand #Boston #Roxbury #Dorchester #Mattapan

THE RULING IS IN. OUR WORK CONTINUES.

Following today’s Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision on White Stadium, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and citizen plaintiffs have released a statement responding to the ruling.

While we are disappointed in the outcome, our commitment remains clear. We believe there is still time to pursue a smaller, more affordable, fully public White Stadium that puts Boston’s students, park users, and surrounding communities first.

What started with 20 citizen plaintiffs has grown into the Franklin Park Defenders, more than 1,000 residents and 38 neighborhood and community organizations united around protecting Franklin Park and fighting for a truly public White Stadium.

The court case may be over, but the community’s questions about BPS access, rising costs, traffic, parking, park access, and the future of Franklin Park remain.

Our work continues.

Read the full statement at https://www.franklinparkdefenders.com/

#FranklinPark #FranklinParkDefenders #WhiteStadium #ProtectFranklinPark #Boston

IMPORTANT UPDATE - TODAY’S STANDOUT IS CANCELLED

Franklin Park Defenders, please note that today’s Standout at Blue Hill Avenue and Franklin Park Road has been cancelled.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to show up, speak out, and stand with us in defense of Franklin Park.

Following today’s SJC ruling, our work continues. Stay connected for updates on upcoming actions and next steps.

Franklin Park belongs to the people.

#FranklinPark #FranklinParkDefenders #ProtectFranklinPark #WhiteStadium

JOIN US TOMORROW, AUGUST 19!

The fight to protect Franklin Park and keep our public land public continues. Join the Franklin Park Defenders for our next community standout and make your voice heard.

📅 Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Corner of Blue Hill Ave. & Franklin Park Rd.

Come stand with neighbors and community members committed to protecting Franklin Park and ensuring its future remains centered on the people who use and depend on it.

🌳 Our park. Our community. Our voice.

Bring a friend and spread the word!

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #Boston #PublicLand #CommunityVoice

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has extended the timeline for a decision in the White Stadium case, but a judgment could still come at any time.

As we await the Court’s ruling, the Franklin Park Defenders remain committed to defending Franklin Park and protecting this vital public resource for the communities that have relied on it for generations.

An extended wait does not mean our work stops.

We will continue to stand up, speak out, organize, and advocate for a public, accessible, and community-centered Franklin Park and White Stadium.

🌳 Our park. Our community. Our voice.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. And stay ready. A decision could come any day.

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #Boston #PublicLand #CommunityVoice

🌳 THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH US!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined the Franklin Park Defenders for our August 12 Community Standout!

Every person who showed up, held a sign, started a conversation, and raised their voice helped send a powerful message: Franklin Park belongs to the people, and our community deserves a voice in its future.

Our work continues, and we need you standing with us.

📣 JOIN OUR NEXT STANDOUT
📅 Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Blue Hill Ave. & Franklin Park Rd.

Bring a friend. Spread the word. Stand with your community.

🌳 Our Park. Our Community. Our Voice.

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #CommunityVoice #PublicLand #Boston

📣 JOIN OUR STANDOUT TODAY!

Franklin Park belongs to the people. Today, we’re standing together to protect it.

Join the Franklin Park Defenders for our community standout as we continue raising our voices for a public, accessible, and community-centered Franklin Park and White Stadium.

📅 TODAY — Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Walnut Ave. & Seaver St.

Every voice matters, and every person who shows up makes our message stronger. Stand with neighbors, community members, and advocates committed to ensuring that decisions about our public spaces include the people who use and depend on them.

🌳 Our park. Our community. Our voice.

Bring a friend, spread the word, and join us TODAY!

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #CommunityVoice #PublicLand #Boston

🚨 Let's clear up the biggest myths about the White Stadium redevelopment fast. 🚨

When misinformation spreads, public land loses. We are breaking down the facts vs. fiction surrounding the project:

🏈 Myth 1 - High school teams will get more access.

Fiction. The National Women's Soccer League season runs from mid-March to mid-November. During that time, natural grass fields cannot host football—meaning Boston high school teams would lose most of their fall access during the exact season they need the field.23

🏟️ Myth 2 - The stadium is only being improved.

Fiction. This isn't just a renovation. It's a major shift in control, introducing a long-term partnership with a private sports franchise that changes how, when, and who gets to use a major section of Franklin Park.

🌳 Myth 3 - No trees are being removed.

Fiction. City documents and community testimony acknowledge tree removals and significant landscape changes to accommodate new construction, parking, and access roads.

💰 Myth 4 - The NWSL is paying for everything.

Fiction. The total cost has ballooned to over $200 million, and the public share of the cost is at least $100 million. This is not a privately funded project.

Help us keep the facts at the center of the White Stadium conversation. Watch the video below and share it to spread the word! ⬇️

#FranklinParkDefenders #WhiteStadium #SaveFranklinPark #CommunityFirst

📣 JOIN OUR NEXT STANDOUT — AUGUST 12!

Franklin Park belongs to the people. Let’s stand together to protect it.

Join the Franklin Park Defenders for our next community standout as we continue raising our voices for a public, accessible, and community-centered Franklin Park and White Stadium.

📅 Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Walnut Ave. & Seaver St.

Every voice matters. Every person who shows up makes our message stronger. Come stand with neighbors, community members, and advocates committed to ensuring that decisions about our public spaces include the people who use and depend on them.

🌳 Our park. Our community. Our voice.

Bring a friend, spread the word, and join the Franklin Park Defenders on August 12!

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #CommunityVoice #PublicLand #Boston

Franklin Park belongs to the people. Let’s stand together to protect it.

Join the Franklin Park Defenders for our next community standout as we continue raising our voices for a public, accessible, and community-centered Franklin Park and White Stadium.

📅 Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Walnut Ave. & Seaver St.

Every voice matters. Every person who shows up makes our message stronger. Come stand with neighbors, community members, and advocates committed to ensuring that decisions about our public spaces include the people who use and depend on them.

🌳 Our park. Our community. Our voice.

Bring a friend, spread the word, and join the Franklin Park Defenders on August 12!

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #CommunityVoice #PublicLand #Boston

💚 THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH FRANKLIN PARK!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out for this week’s Franklin Park Defenders Standout! Your presence, your voices, and your commitment continue to show that our community cares deeply about the future of Franklin Park and White Stadium.

Every conversation matters. Every person who shows up matters. And every week, we’re building a stronger movement to ensure that community voices are heard and our public spaces remain accountable to the public.

📣 Now, join us for next week’s Standout!

📅 Wednesday, August 12
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Walnut Avenue & Seaver Street

Bring a friend, bring your voice, and stand with your neighbors as we continue advocating for transparency, community accountability, and a White Stadium that serves the public.

Franklin Park belongs to all of us. Let’s keep showing up for it. 🌳✊🏾

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #Boston #Roxbury #Dorchester #CommunityVoice #PublicLand #CommunityPower

🚨 Who Gets a Voice in the Future of Franklin Park?

When residents showed up to speak about the transportation impacts of the White Stadium redevelopment, they made one thing clear: the community deserves to be heard.

This reel highlights voices from the public meeting, where neighbors raised important questions about traffic, public access, safety, and the long-term impact on Franklin Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Franklin Park belongs to the people. Decisions about its future should reflect meaningful community engagement—not just public meetings, but public accountability.

🎥 Watch the highlights, hear directly from residents, and join the conversation.

Learn more at FranklinParkDefenders.com

#FranklinParkDefenders #FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #CommunityVoices #PublicLand #EnvironmentalJustice #Transportation #Boston #Roxbury #Dorchester #Mattapan #ProtectFranklinPark

📢 Stand Up for Franklin Park Tomorrow!

Join the Franklin Park Defenders as we continue to advocate for a public White Stadium and the protection of our community's public green space.

📅 Tomorrow
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Entrance to the park near the Shattuck where Circuit Drive begins off Morton Street

Bring a friend, make your voice heard, and help show that our parks belong to the public.

Together, we can protect Franklin Park for generations to come.

#FranklinPark #WhiteStadium #FranklinParkDefenders #ProtectPublicLand #Boston

Stand Up. Stand Out. Defend Franklin Park.

Join the Franklin Park Defenders as we stand together for a public White Stadium and the protection of Boston's historic public park.

📍 Shattuck Entrance to Franklin Park
🗓 Wednesday, August 5
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM

Bring your voice. Bring a friend. Together, we can ensure Franklin Park remains a place for everyone.

#FranklinParkDefenders #StandUpStandOut #ProtectFranklinPark #PublicParks #Boston

Community voices are not a barrier to progress. They are the foundation of it. Real progress happens when the people most impacted have a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions that shape their neighborhoods.

#FranklinParkDefenders

🌳 Why are we Franklin Park Defenders?

Because Franklin Park belongs to all of us.

Hear directly from community members about why they're standing up to protect Boston's largest public park for future generations.

🎥 Watch their stories and join the movement.

#FranklinParkDefenders #ProtectFranklinPark #Boston #PublicParks

Who are the Franklin Park Defenders?

We are neighbors, families, students, athletes, historians, environmental advocates, and community members united by one mission:

🌳 To protect Franklin Park as a public park for everyone.

We believe our public spaces should remain accessible, transparent, and community-centered. Together, we're standing up for equitable access, preserving our shared green space, and ensuring future generations can enjoy Franklin Park just as we have.

Join us. Learn more. Make your voice heard.

#FranklinPark #FranklinParkDefenders #ProtectPublicParks #CommunityFirst

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FRANKLIN PARK

DEFENDERS

Envision a Public White Stadium

Envision a FULLY PUBLIC White Stadium for students & the community!