Find
your baseballs, pull out your running gear and get ready to swing on the monkey
bars. March 31st, 2018 marked the Grand Opening of the
Francesco A. Memorial Baseball Fields and Community Park located in Lower
Providence. It was a rain
or shine event, but the sun was in full force as over 1000 people gathered for
the dedication of this brand-new facility. Children and adults of all ages came out for a
spectacular afternoon honoring the man
whose passion and generosity paved the way for this world class complex donated
to the township by local waste and recycling company, J.P. Mascaro &
Sons.
The afternoon began
with a welcome by Mascaro council, William Fox, Jr., and was followed by a
dedication invocation by Monsignor A. Murray.
Mascaro President, Pasquale “Pat” Mascaro, Sr., then spoke about the one-of-a-kind
man whose life made the park a reality.
Francesco A. Mascaro,
affectionately known as “The Chief” and “Frankie”, was one of the five brothers
who own J.P. Mascaro & Sons and who passed away in 2013. Frankie lived a generous life and had a strong passion for
baseball. He enjoyed making others happy
and had a special place in his heart for children and athletics. The Mascaro family
knew a field of this magnitude would be the perfect fit to keep his memory
alive.
“Frankie’s
legacy is one of giving and concern for others. His kindness and generosity touched a lot of people
in a lot of different ways and his spirit will continue to do so as his legacy
lives on,” Mascaro explained, “We know without a doubt that he is looking down
upon us today with great pride as we open these fields and this park to the community
for children and adults to enjoy for generations to come.”
Over
$2 million was put into the modern facility which includes a state-of-the-art,
lighted regulation Little League Baseball Stadium with individual seating for
over 250 spectators and additional viewing areas throughout. It is expected to attract regional Little
League tournaments. The complex also contains two additional full-size
Little League Fields that allow for multiple games to be played at the same
time, a fully equipped pavilion, a concession stand, a press box, batting
cages, a playground geared towards children 2-12 and a one mile paved walking
path. It was built on a large tract of land owned by the Mascaro Brothers
Investment Partnership and leased to Lower Providence Township for $1.00 per
year.
Those attending
the ceremony made their way to the main field to witness the ceremonial first
pitches. Two Mascaro family members and
employees, Pasquale Mascaro, Jr. and James Lee Mascaro, Sr., who oversaw the
project, threw out the first two pitches.
They were followed by former Major League Baseball players Bobby Wine
and Mike MacDougal. The attendees then
made their way back to the tents for an enormous and delicious complimentary lunch
catered by Collegeville Bakery.
The remarkable affair
was open to the public and those who came out enjoyed the experience immensely. “It was a beautiful day and a wonderful event
to witness,” exclaimed community resident, Kathy Opperman, “I extend a big
thank you to the Mascaro family for adding this beautiful stadium and fields to
our community. The Chief was surely
smiling upon his hardworking and generous family today. Great job!”
The complex is
located at 2759 Woodland Avenue and is now
available for all to enjoy.