Franklin Regional to enter partnership with Communities Inc. to preserve Haymaker Field; lease approved pending solicitor review

The Franklin Regional School Board approved a motion Monday to enter a partnership and lease agreement with Communities Inc. to preserve Haymaker Field for school and community baseball, with final language to be reviewed and approved by the district solicitor.

Superintendent Dr. Peraino and board members praised Communities Inc. volunteers and American Legion representatives for years of upkeep and stewardship of the field. The superintendent described the group’s long service and said the district and community had worked over several months toward an agreement in principle.

Representatives from Communities Inc. addressed the board: Dino DePaulo, identified as president of Communities Inc., and Frank Persia, representing the American Legion, spoke about the field’s history and their desire to ensure it remains available to Franklin Regional students and local youth teams. Persia noted the American Legion’s commitment to let any child play regardless of ability to pay.

Board member Kozlovsky moved an amendment that the lease approval be “pending solicitor final review and modifications” to allow the two groups and the district time to finalize terms; the motion was seconded and approved. The superintendent and Communities Inc. leaders said they will continue working with the solicitor and district staff to finalize operational details and schedule of use.

Board members framed the partnership as preserving a long‑standing community athletic asset and ensuring continued access for high school teams, Legion teams and youth players. The superintendent thanked Communities Inc. and the American Legion for their stewardship and public service.