Big News GAME CHANGER FOR ALL

MKA’s new state-of-the-art Middle School Fields Complex is officially open. On Saturday, October 22 members of the MKA community came together to commemorate the Grand Opening of the Middle School Fields Complex and celebrate with an official ribbon cutting. During the beautiful morning ceremony, several speakers acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and generosity of so many.

Coaches, faculty, administrators, and staff, including Chief Financial Officer Kathryn Davison, Director Of Physical Plant and Security James Castelli, Head of Upper School Dr. David C. Flocco, and Director of Athletics Todd Smith, were instrumental in moving the project to completion, which would not have been possible without the significant contributions made by PAMKA, alumni, families, and friends of the school.

Head of School Nigel D. Furlonge said, “This commemoration represents years of focus, commitment, and planning dating back to 2017. Thanks to [former Head of School] Tom Nammack’s leadership, the dedication of the Board of Trustees, the vision of the school’s strategic planning committee, and support from each donor, this dream has become a reality. I am honored to witness the culmination of what is possible at MKA when our vision, commitment, leadership, and philanthropy all come together in service to the thousands of children that will benefit from this incredible generosity.”

The state-of-the-art facility allows for flexibility so that different sports can use the fields throughout the year. It includes redesigned softball and baseball fields, the newly named Barrett

Field, as well as two multi-use fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, and field hockey. Both softball and baseball teams have brand new dugouts, two of which have been dedicated to Varsity Baseball Coach Ralph Pacifico. In addition, there is beautiful new landscaping surrounding the perimeter of the new space. As the ceremony concluded, Dr. Carlaina Bell, Head of Middle School, invited Nigel Furlonge, Todd Smith, and the Barrett Family to join her in cutting the ribbon.

The Middle School Fields Complex has been called a game changer for fall and spring sports. For years, the shared space had not fully accommodated our athletes, especially softball and baseball players. The ability for multiple teams to practice and play games simultaneously is now a reality. But just as importantly, the reimagined and redesigned outdoor spaces have significantly enhanced the school’s flexibility for how the Middle School does recess, class meetings, lunch, social gatherings, or just allows kids to be kids.