Funding from the booster club has been a valuable asset in improving the Mill through the establishment of new complexes such as the cheer building or the Medici batting complex. Now, another booster club has set its sight on funding a new track and field pavilion for athletes.

“We had this idea and sketched it on a piece of paper, people loved it and we got an approval to build the pavilion,” track and field booster club president Don Livingston said.

Just about a year ago, the track and field booster club had an idea sketched out to build the track and field pavilion. The pavilion will allow 120 to 140 student-athletes on the track and field and the cross country teams to relax before practice, and have a place to store sports materials.

“It’s nice to have a place for the track meets to protect [the athletes] from the sun and also from the rain,” assistant principal and athletic director Sandy Martin said. “It is also a place for the track people to put their backpacks.”

Starr’s Mill went through a waiting period to find money to fund the pavilion and to receive permits that would allow the pavilion to be built in a public area at the school. However, the pavilion’s funding came through the track and field booster club parents, sponsorships and donors.

“We are soon to name the pavilion after someone,” said Livingston.

The booster club is in the process of finalizing sponsorships and major donors.  The pavilion will be named after the highest donor.

Much like the patio area that was constructed last fall, the pavilion took a collaborative effort.  Former principal Audrey Toney, then assistant principal Allen Leonard, and Starr’s Mill’s track and field head coach, Chad Walker, all worked together to see that the construction was completed.

“The pavilion was put on hold for a year or two for money purposes and waiting for permits,” Martin said. “[It] took about two years and we finally got all the permits this year.”

The architect from PTI Sports and Recreation Construction, Chris Feganes, and Livingston’s neighbor, Jim Finney, helped build the track and field pavilion.

“My neighbors who have an architectural firm drew the plans for us,” Livingston said.

The construction of the track and field pavilion began in January and continued through the spring. It was finished and approved in late April. Chairs and tables are soon to be placed on the front porch of the pavilion for students to sit and wait until practice begins.

“I think this is a nice transition and I am thankful for the boosters to put it up and have it for the athletes,” Martin said.