Published: 9:58 AM - 09/11/14
Last updated: 10:13 AM - 09/11/14

WARWICK - The founder Frozen Ropes Training Centers, a sports training company, has bought 36 acres of the former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility and many of the existing buildings from a local development corporation created by the Town of Warwick.

LDC President Robert Krahulik said in a statement that the property, which includes the main prison compound, has been sold to Tony Abbatine for $1,775,000.

Abbatine, who owns a sports complex in Chester, plans to use the space to create “The Yard,” a venue to host a variety of athletic events including soccer, lacrosse, football, and baseball, according to the news release announcing the sale.

“The Yard will complement our Chester facility, The Rock Sports Park, and will meet the growing demand for quality sports facilities in the area,” said Abbatine.

The development corporation paid the state $3.5 million for the former medium-security prison, which was shuttered about three years ago.

Warwick has dubbed the site the Warwick Valley Office and Technology Corporate Park.

More than 100 acres and other buildings remain for sale.

-- James Walsh