Page 35 - Salesianum - Winter 2019

"With this lease agreement, we were able to demonstrate the

institutions work in partnership with local government for the common good." —Salesianum President Brendan Kennealey ’94
growing immigrant community in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
“Rocco and Mary Frances Abessinio have a long history of generosity, not just at Salesianum, but across the region,” says Salesianum President Brendan P. Kennealey ’94. “There are very few people who have both the ability and the willingness to make such a transformational gift. Rocco has, once again, responded to the call for support with abundant generosity. Like so many Salesianum students, Rocco came from humble means and today, he is using his success to benefit others.”
In its heyday, Baynard Stadium was a gleaming center for spirited athletic competitions and has a proud history of notable athletic moments. Built in 1922, the stadium has been continuously used by Wilmington area high schools for various track meets, football and lacrosse games. Baynard underwent its last major renovation in 1972, and as it stands today, is facing serious structural and costly maintenance issues. They include the condemnation of the visitors’ bleachers in 2016, non-ADA compliant bathrooms
and bleachers, and a lack of basic amenities. The stadium complex is currently owned by the City of Wilmington but is managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and
is part of Brandywine Park. It will now be managed by Salesianum School.
The journey to this major announcement has been a circuitous one, during which the school worked with the mayor’s office, city council, Delaware State Parks, area schools and community groups for the past three years. Salesianum now has a 50-year lease with 50 one-year renewal options, effectively making it a 100-year lease.
In return, Salesianum has offered to make the stadium accessible to the City’s Parks & Recreation programs for 30 hours per month and also offered 90 hours a month for the community to use the track.
Rocco says: “As a native of Wilmington, this is an opportunity for me and my family to support Salesianum and help the city in its resurgence. We want to ensure that
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