Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki announced Thursday that a public-private partnership will lead the effort to preserve and manage the aging Baynard Stadium.

Purzycki appointed an 11-member working group in March to look at options for the 95-year-old sports facility tucked into Brandywine Creek State Park on the city's east side. The group offered five different approaches, including no changes, some kind of shared funding model with the state, and a public-private partnership.

“What we now have in front of us makes a public and private partnership a smart and reasonable choice to explore,” said Purzycki. “Those interested in talking to the City should contact us in writing immediately so we can determine which way to proceed.”

The Mayor has urged interested parties to contact the Mayor's Office within the next two weeks. If there are multiple letters of interest, the City will set up a formal request for proposals. Letters must be sent by June 21.