The Mamaroneck Union Free School District (MUFSD), Fields for Kids (FFK), elected officials, district leaders, student athletes, and community partners recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the new multi-sport field behind the Mamaroneck Town Center.
The project represents the culmination of a shared effort among MUFSD, FFK, New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblyman Steve Otis, and community supporters to expand access to high-quality athletic facilities for students and families throughout Larchmont and Mamaroneck. The field officially opens for play in the coming weeks and will serve Mamaroneck Schools’ physical education and athletic programs, youth sports organizations, and community users for years to come. Designed for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and football, the upgraded facility addresses a longstanding need for additional athletic space while creating new opportunities for participation, recreation, and community connection.
“This field represents an investment in opportunities for students,” said Superintendent Dr. Chuck Sampson. “Athletics help young people develop confidence, teamwork, discipline, and a sense of belonging. More importantly, they provide young people with opportunities to challenge themselves, build relationships, and develop skills that extend far beyond the playing field.” MUFSD Board of Education president Ariana Cohen added, “We are grateful to Fields for Kids, Senator Mayer, Assemblyman Otis, and all of the partners who helped make this project possible.The completion of this field will expand opportunities for students to participate, compete, and grow for many years to come.”
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am delighted to join the Mamaroneck Union Free School District, Assemblyman Steve Otis, Fields for Kids and so many others in celebrating the ribbon-cutting of Mamaroneck High School’s new multi-sport field. I am pleased that MUFSD students will have this wonderful new space to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and build community this summer and for years to come. I was proud to help secure State Senate funding for this project, under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Thank you to Assemblyman Steve Otis, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Sampson, Fields for Kids, and everyone who worked to make this project a reality for the students and families of the Mamaroneck Union Free School District.”
Assemblyman Steve Otis said, “Sports programs are a vital part of the education, growth, and enjoyment of students of all ages. With programs growing, the demand for field space is always larger than what schools and municipalities have available. This project helps address that need with a field that will provide better playing conditions and an improved experience for all players. Improving youth sports facilities has been a major priority of mine throughout the Sound Shore communities I serve. Congratulations to the Mamaroneck School District Team and Fields for Kids for this exciting project. I have worked with Fields for Kids for over a decade going back to the Lorenzen Park Baseball Field Project in Larchmont. Volunteer partnerships with school districts and local governments are of tremendous benefit to young athletes.”
Fields for Kids has worked closely with the district for several years to address field shortages and expand opportunities for young people to participate in athletics at all levels. Through fundraising, advocacy, and partnership with local and state leaders, the organization has played a key role in bringing the project to completion.
Fields For Kids Board President Heather Mahland said, “Thanks to our partners in state government, the Mamaroneck school district and the generous support of donors in our community, Fields For Kids has successfully fundraised our third major project in three years. This multisport turf field will dramatically improve the playing time across youth sports. On behalf of the FFK board, I want to thank everyone who helped make this project happen and highlight that great things that can happen when we come together as One Community.”
Joining Senator Mayer, Assemblyman Otis, and Dr. Sampson at the ceremony were representatives from Fields for Kids, Board of Education President Ariana Cohen, Assistant Superintendent for Business Sylvia Fassler, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Bari Suman, Director of Facilities Steve Brugge, additional district leaders, community representatives, and student athletes who will be among the first to benefit from the new facility.