Mayor Michelle Wu said that the city will be hiring a dedicated full-time administrator and six new full-time maintenance and natural resources staff that will bring dedicated staff for Franklin Park to its highest level in more than 50 years.
Richard Heath
The Playstead section of Franklin Park
During Wu's State of the City Address on Tuesday, she said the city will act on the recommendations of the Franklin Park Action Plan, and hire the new staff members.
Currently, the park has three dedicated maintenance staff, and city will also begin the process for community input and design to reimagine and invest in a home for the Elma Lewis Playhouse.
“The Franklin Park Coalition is thrilled to celebrate Mayor Wu’s significant new investments in Franklin Park,” said Rickie Thompson, President of the Franklin Park Coalition, via press release. “The Coalition has been advocating for renovations and additional staffing for a significant time. We’re very grateful that Mayor Wu is responsive to these requests and will work to update this critical resource that has been neglected for too long.”
Last year, Wu announced a partnership with Boston Unity Soccer Group to renovate White Stadium to co-house a women's pro soccer team and be the hub for the Boston Public Schools athletic program. When the renovation is complete, there will be professionally-managed grass field, a new eight-lane track, brand new locker rooms, conditioning spaces, new spectator areas, space for retail and concessions. Wu also said the city will create a new booster fund for BPS athletics to cover expenses for uniforms, extra equipment, and dedicated transportation.