Fields for Kids kicked off a weekend of fundraising on Friday, October 18, with the unveiling of a new plaque at Hommocks Middle School to thank donors who made significant contributions to the Hommocks Outdoor Play Space (HOPS) completed last school year. Thanks to the support of the community, local businesses, and the Mamaroneck School District, 1,300 middle school students now have a play space during recess and PE teachers have outdoor fitness equipment available. 

HOPS was the first of a series of new projects for the Larchmont- Mamaroneck-based volunteer-led not-for-profit Fields for Kids (FFK) is planning over the next school years. Founded in 2007, FFK partners with the local municipalities to raise funds for sports and recreational capital projects.

Heather Mahland, President of the Board at Fields for Kids said, “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. 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.”

Assemblyman Steve Otis, who has assisted numerous recreation projects on the Sound Shore in obtaining state grants, said, “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. HOPS is another completed project with more good things to come that will enrich the lives and athletic prowess of Mamaroneck kids.”

Mamaroneck High School Coach Anthony Vitti said, “The community spirit and outreach are amazing. They need fields. They deserve fields. Let’s back our kids. Tiger spirit is alive.”

FFK board members were present at the homecoming football game to raise awareness about the need for community support to finance these capital projects. In 2025, FFK in conjunction with the school district, plans to level and turf the field at Town Center which will improve the playing experience and increase the capacity of this heavily used multi-sport practice field. With a growing population and the increased interest in youth sports, Mamaroneck is in dire need of improved field and recreational space to keep up with the demand. Collaboration and financial support from area non-profits, community members, local businesses, the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation, and state grants make these capital projects possible.

Fields for Kids is a 501c3, volunteer-run non-profit that 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.

 Visit https://www.fieldsforkidsmamk.org to learn more, to make a donation, and to support their efforts.