While the legal battle and public debate over a professional soccer stadium in Franklin Park continues, the city government has quietly enhanced a recreational facility inside the crown jewel of the Emerald Necklace.

The tennis courts near Shattuck Hospital have been resurfaced and expanded.

Where there were previously two courts, now there are five. The sparkling tennis courts reopened in late June after renovations were made under the city’s Franklin Park Action Plan.

The reopening came in time for summer lessons offered by the Franklin Park Tennis Association, which had relocated its activities to Almont Park in Mattapan during construction. The FPTA offers free tennis lessons to anyone and has attracted participants who reflect the diverse mosaic of Boston — Blacks, Latinos, Cape Verdeans, Jamaicans, Indians and others. The open and welcoming atmosphere surrounding the FPTA’s activities reflects the best of what Boston can be.

The increase in the number of courts expands public access to the recreation area.

Now, when the FPTA is offering lessons, say on Saturday mornings, there is space for unaffiliated players to volley back and forth on courts the FPTA is not using.

The construction in the area is not quite complete. More work is to be done in the Shattuck Picnic Grove, a popular area for picnics and family reunions. That work includes the installation of permanent grills and is scheduled to be completed by the annual Juneteenth and Roxbury Homecoming gathering next year.

It is good to see the enhancement of recreational opportunities happening in Franklin Park without the kind of controversy that has surrounded the replacement of White Stadium.

Ronald Mitchell
Editor and Publisher, Bay State Banner