In June, Benet began the renovation of its Baumgartner-Gilbert Stadium. This new, state-of-the-art stadium will include updated bleachers, new concession stands, a modern scoreboard, and much more. However, in order to perform this addition, parking has been cut by almost 100 spaces.

Seniors and juniors are normally allowed to park on campus, but this year the junior class has seen its number of available parking spaces significantly cut down to provide enough room for the construction team to work. While all seniors received spaces, only about twenty juniors received parking spaces. Those who did not receive on-campus parking park at either Benedictine or Scholastica.

Thankfully, Benet opened up several more spots in St. Daniel’s parking lot a few weeks into the school year. These spots have no promise of being available throughout the entire school year, though, and students who received access to them may need to park off campus again if the construction company ends up needing more room later in the year. However, those who received this opportunity were nevertheless ecstatic. Maggie Stott, a junior who originally got off-campus parking at Scholastica, stated, “I was very excited to receive an on-campus parking spot, especially because I originally did not have it and it means I can leave later for school in the morning because I don’t have to walk from my off-campus spot to Benet!”

Despite many being disappointed about not receiving on-campus parking spots, Benet has done a lot to help those who park farther away. For example, crossing guards now work at the light on Maple Avenue, making sure students cross safely! Construction is moving forward steadfastly and the advancements being made to Benet are certainly worth the hassle.