OLMSTED NETWORK HONORED FRANKLIN PARK DEFENDERS WITH PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Boston, MA - Each year, the Olmsted Network honors individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of Frederick Law Olmsted and the Olmsted firm—preserving historic landscapes and advocating for equitable access to public green space. This year, the Franklin Park Defenders are recipients of the President’s Award, an honor given to those who shine a spotlight on grassroots efforts that demonstrate how community leadership is vital to sustaining Olmsted’s legacy in the 21st century. 

"The Franklin Park Defenders exemplify the power of grassroots advocacy to protect public space and uphold the democratic ideals at the heart of Olmsted’s vision,” said Sue Breitkopf, Olmsted Network President. “Their courageous and community-driven efforts to preserve equitable access in one of Olmsted’s most significant urban parks are not only timely—they’re essential. We’re proud to honor their leadership and determination with one of our 2025 President’s Award.”

The Franklin Park Defenders is a grassroots coalition formed in response to redevelopment plans for White Stadium, located within Boston’s Franklin Park. At over 500 acres, Franklin Park is the largest park in the City of Boston, and one of four intact “country parks” designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, considered by many to be among the finest expressions of his design philosophies. Concerned that the redevelopment proposal would limit student and community access and privatize public space, the Defenders, joined by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, mobilized residents, neighborhood associations, and park advocates to demand a more inclusive, transparent, and community-centered process. Through legal action, public forums, and alternative planning proposals, the group has elevated the conversation around equitable park use and preservation. Their work as a growing community voice—now numbering over 500 individuals and 31 local organizations—illustrates the power of grassroots advocacy in defending the public purpose of Olmsted landscapes. 

“It’s an incredible honor to receive national recognition from the Olmsted Network,” said Pam Jones, Franklin Park Defender and Mattapan resident. “For the past two years, we have worked tirelessly to advocate for the renovation of a public stadium that serves Boston Public School students and local residents first and foremost. Our community was shut out of the public process, and a decision was made to take away a cherished piece of Franklin Park, one of Frederick Law Olmsted's masterpieces. But my neighbors, my fellow advocates, and all the Franklin Park Defenders continue to show up every day to fight for our green spaces and our right to shape the future of our neighborhoods. We are deeply grateful to the Olmsted Network for standing with us and helping shine a national spotlight on this injustice.”

Earlier this month, the Franklin Park Defenders—plaintiffs in the citizens’ lawsuit against the City of Boston and Boston Unity Soccer Partners—filed the appeal brief, continuing the legal fight against the proposed for-profit professional sports and entertainment complex at White Stadium in Franklin Park. The group remains committed to protecting Franklin Park from privatization and calls for a better alternative: a fully-public, more affordable White Stadium that prioritizes Boston Public Schools and community use, and a new location for the professional soccer team that doesn't compromise this vital public space.

Established in 2022, the President’s Award recognizes exemplary service in championing Olmsted work and principles. Recipients are selected by the President and CEO of the Olmsted Network and approved by the Board of Directors. Other Olmsted Network 2025 Award Winners are Voices of Keney Park from Hartford, CT; East Side Parkways Coalition from Buffalo, NY; Betsy Shure Gross, founding board member and former co-chair of the National Association for Olmsted Parks, from Davis, CA; and Anthony Oprisiu, board president of the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation, from Queens, NY.

About The Olmsted Network

The Olmsted Network (formerly the National Association for Olmsted Parks) is the only organization in the country dedicated to protecting, preserving and championing Olmsted parks, places and principles. Its network of parks and places is international and includes the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Biltmore Estate, Bok Tower Gardens, Olmsted Linear Park Alliance, the Midway Plaisance Park Advisory Council, Birkenhead Park and more.

Background on the White Stadium Redevelopment Project

Residents of Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain and Mattapan have significant concerns about the plan to lease White Stadium to a professional sports team — rather than renovating it as a public stadium for the sole benefit of BPS students and the local community. The City of Boston and Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP) have demolished the existing White Stadium in order to build a new, significantly larger for-profit professional sports stadium, entertainment venue, and multiple restaurants and retail shops in its place.

In addition to the legal concerns expressed in an ongoing lawsuit against the project, neighboring residents and park advocates have expressed opposition to the project over issues ranging from increased air, noise and light pollution, increased litter, the removal of 145 mature trees, increased traffic and parking restrictions, and decreased student and community access.

Pro soccer games and other private events would displace BPS students and the community from White Stadium and surrounding parts of Franklin Park on 20 annual game days, 20 practice days, and additional concert and event days - more than half of all weekends during the summer, when residents use the park the most. BPS football teams would be displaced from the stadium entirely during the bulk of their regular season, because the soccer league doesn't want their cleats on the field.