Press Release

Larchmont-Mamaroneck Fields for Kids

Press Contact:  Jennifer Conley   834-0934(h)   450-2774(c)   jordicon@aol.com

September 24, 2009

Larchmont-Mamaroneck Fields For Kids Announces Fundraising Campaign 

To Renovate Memorial Field at Mamaroneck High School

The campaign will kick off at the MHS Homecoming Football Game on Saturday evening, September 26th.   The launch will include an information booth, fundraising items on sale, and a half-time announcement about the campaign.  The media is encouraged to attend; we anticipate some great photo opportunities.   Please RSVP to Jennifer Conley.

What is the Memorial Field Renovation Plan

and why is FFK raising money for it?

Memorial Field, the only regulation-size multi-use field on Mamaroneck School District property, is long overdue for a renovation.   Used for football, field hockey, boys’ and girls’ soccer, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, physical education classes, track & field practices, and numerous community youth programs, the field cannot accommodate the heavy demand, nor can it stand up to the heavy foot traffic.  The need for renovation was identified by the district a decade ago.

Field designers and engineers hired by the District have developed plans for an updated athletic facility at Memorial Field. The plan would provide the kind of modern facilities now in use at most public school districts in Westchester: a safe and resilient all-weather playing surface which could stand up to constant use; precision lighting to extend usage and allow evening events; generous new seating; and a regulation-size oval track around the field.

The district is eager to implement the field renovation, but it does not have nearly enough money to do so all at once.  Private fundraising is necessary to help cover the costs.   Larchmont-Mamaroneck Fields for Kids will lead the fundraising effort, in partnership with other local organizations. 

“Bronxville, Rye, and Scarsdale all used public-private partnerships to pay for their field renovations,” explains Jim Hanley, President of Fields for Kids.  “We took a page from their playbook and offered to help raise money privately so the community’s tax burden would not increase.” 

Phasing of the plan will also be necessary:  the more money raised, the sooner all phases of the project can be completed.   Starting from the ground up, the first phase will focus on fixing the field.  FFK has dubbed the initial fundraising campaign “Project 2010” because if enough money is raised quickly, the field can be constructed next summer in time for a Fall 2010 opening.   Specifically, FFK’s goal is to raise $465,000 by November 1.  Anything FFK raises above that will go toward the next phases, which include lights, bigger bleachers and the track.    

Although the $39 million school bond which included field renovations was defeated in February, FFK is confident that this fundraising campaign will be a success.  While the bond proposal included 4 field renovations, this reduced plan includes only one: the school’s most heavily-used and visible field.   Also, those concerned about the use of all-weather synthetic turf will be reassured to know that since the bond vote, an important NY State Study has come out from the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation confirming the safety of turf fields for both users and the environment (May 2009).  In addition, the Memorial Field plan has been approved by a rigorous State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) and by our two local Coastal Zone Commissions.  

“After the narrow bond defeat, we listened very closely to feedback from the community,” says Linnet Tse, President of the Board of Education.  “With the help of private funding, this modified plan achieves a fair balance between the need to fix our most heavily used field and sensitivity to both taxpayers and environmentalists.”

Indeed, the school district even incorporated into the plans a suggestion by local environmental activists to use a virgin form of infill on the new field instead of black crumb rubber from recycled tires.  The field will not contain lead, either.  It will, however, include a state-approved storm water management system, which the current site does not have.  Says Hanley, “We’re raising money for a community venue that we think everyone can feel good about.” 

Dr. Paul Fried, Superintendent of Schools, agrees:  “This public-private partnership between Mamaroneck Schools, Fields For Kids and the other local organizations is an outstanding example of a community rallying together to alleviate taxpayer burden and solve a problem that the schools alone could not solve in this challenging economic environment.  We are grateful for their tremendous support in partnering with the District to recreate Memorial Field and are confident that not only our students, but the entire Larchmont-Mamaroneck community, will reap enormous benefits in the years to come.” 

FAQs, project details and other information available.  Contact Jennifer Conley:  jordicon@aol.com.