Patch: Fields For Kids Celebrates A Win And Looks To The Future
October 30, 2024
MAMARONECK, NY — A local organization that is making our neighborhoods pretty great places to be a kid, is celebrating a recent success and kicking off a critical fundraising drive.
Fields for Kids, the volunteer-led not-for-profit, kicked off a weekend of fundraising earlier this month with a new plaque at Hommocks Middle School to thank donors who made significant contributions to the Hommocks Outdoor Play Space (HOPS), completed during the last school year.
1,300 middle school students now have a play space during recess and physical education teachers have outdoor fitness equipment available, due to the support of the community, local businesses and the Mamaroneck School District.
"Thanks to the generosity of this amazing community we have fundraised for the playground at Hommocks that opened in 2023, the renovation of Alma field at Flint Park which is starting in November and we are already half-way to our fundraising goal to build a new multi-sport field at Town Center," Heather Mahland, President of the Board at Fields for Kids, said. "That is 3 projects in 3 years — 2023 HOPS, 2024 Alma, 2025 Town Center. These projects are funded by a combination of your tax dollars and private donations that would otherwise not be possible. Each project creates a domino effect, relieving pressure from all other fields and creating extra playable hours for all youth and school sports."
State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblyman Steve Otis, Fields For Kids Board Members and Hommocks Middle School Administrators and teachers and parents gathered at the new Hommocks Outdoor Play Space (HOPS) for the unveiling of the new HOPS donor plaque that will be displayed on the schools facade. (Fields for Kids)
HOPS was the first of several new projects the Larchmont-Mamaroneck organization has been planning for the next few school years. Founded in 2007, Fields for Kids partners with the local municipalities to raise funds for sports and recreational capital projects.
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"The community spirit and outreach is amazing. They need fields," Mamaroneck High School Coach Anthony Vitti said. "They deserve fields. Let’s back our kids. Tiger spirit is alive."
Several Fields for Kids board members were present at the homecoming football game to raise awareness about the need for community support to finance the capital projects.
In 2025, Fields for Kids, along with the Mamaroneck school district, plan to level and turf the field at Town Center which will improve the playing experience and increase the capacity of the heavily used multi-sport practice field.
With a growing population and an increased interest in youth sports, Fields for Kids says that Mamaroneck is in "dire need" of improved field and recreational space to keep up with the demand.
Collaboration and financial support from local non-profits, community members, area businesses, the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation and NYS grants make these capital projects possible, according to the organization.
"Mamaroneck is so lucky to have Fields for Kids that works with the schools and local governments to improve the quality and the variety of athletic and recreational offerings for the students of Mamaroneck," Assemblyman Steve Otis said. "HOPS is another completed project with more good things to come that will enrich the lives and athletic prowess for Mamaroneck kids."
About Fields for Kids:
Fields for Kids is a 501c3, volunteer run non-profit was launched in 2006 to advocate for quality recreational and sports space across Larchmont and Mamaroneck. We champion the need for the community to work with municipal leaders to maximize the use of all assets. Collaborative partnerships, funded both publicly and privately, will ensure that residents, of all ages have access to local resources to support an active lifestyle. To learn more, make a donation and to support our efforts, visit the Field for Kids website.