Page 11 - The Paduan Spring 2022

The second area of renovation was the complete re-landscaping of the school grounds. Plant beds were reshaped and hardscape walls were installed using large sandstone boulders and paver stones. The existing trees were pruned and old plants removed. Grasses, perennials, and annuals were added to complete the planting design. In addition, the Greening of Padua bricks from the 90’s will be reinstalled in their original site—near the front of the main entrance. Lastly, in an effort to continue our Franciscan efforts of caring for our environment and spurred by the ecological passion of Mark Brody ’70, several rain gardens were created to naturally absorb run-off water.
As a second part of the landscaping re-design, the prayer garden was completely transformed through the gifts and vision of the Frattare family. All of the statues and memorials in the original prayer garden have been preserved and incorporated into
the new prayer garden renovation along with new plants and reshaped flowering trees.
Thanks to the generosity of Greg Kurtz ’71, the pathway is now made with crushed stone and has been extended to the gazebo.
It continues around the entire garden to the new sidewalk. An additional prayer space and bench replace the two existing benches, situated to focus on a beautiful new Saint Francis of Assisi statue in memory of +Sean Osysko ’01, which was donated by his family and friends. “The prayer garden is a very special place at Padua for our community to pray and remember,” said Stec.
The last goal of the project was to enhance both of our entrance lobbies. State-of-the-art scent generators have been installed: cold-air diffusers subtly enhance the space dispersing non- allergenic fragrance. Twelve-foot trees as well as beautiful plants and shrubbery beautify the areas. Also, in an effort to match
the Main Lobby, a San Damiano cross has been installed in the Kohuth Atrium to remind us of our mission. During each season we will decorate the lobbies with flowers and décor to help set the mood each and every day.
Beyond the generosity of our donors, we also want to thank
Nick Iafigliola and Schirmer Construction, LLC for providing all the hardscape boulders and concrete work, the Kurtz Brothers for landscaping products and services, and Iosue Landscaping Concepts for their complete preparation, planting and execution of the entire project design. Additionally, we thank Petitti Garden Centers for their help in providing all of the trees, plants, and the incredible design work of Michael Schaefer.
“The Welcome Home Project has made a real difference for our community. God bless the donors and companies that helped to make Padua a home for all our Bruins! None of this would have been possible without their generosity and commitment to our Franciscan mission,” stated Stec. A dedication ceremony and celebration of donors is scheduled this summer.
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