A second field in honor of Tommy Mark, the late son of power lawyer Doug Mark, is set to open on August 22. This new installment, called Tommy’s Field, is a collaboration between Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services and will be located in the center of Vista’s 18-acre campus in West L.A. The multipurpose sports field, equipped with lights, will cater to Tommy’s passion for soccer.
The grand opening of Tommy’s Field will feature remarks from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, council member Katy Yaroslavsky, Doug and Nikki Mark, and other notable figures from the L.A. Galaxy, L.A. Breakers, Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation, and The Steve Tisch Foundation. Additionally, youth sports activities will be organized for Vista’s residents, care community, and leadership, overseen by president and CEO Lena Wilson. Participants will include Premiere Philanthropy founder and CMO Craig Prizant, members of the Leadership Advisory Board (LAB), Vista teachers, support teams, volunteers, donors, and community partners. Vista Del Mar, a nonprofit organization, offers various services such as education, mental health, autism, adoptions, and early intervention.
Tommy Mark passed away a month before his 13th birthday on April 17, 2018. The exact cause of his death was never revealed, although his father confirms it was likely due to an undiagnosed structural issue with his heart. Doug Mark shared with The Hollywood Reporter that Tommy’s life was marked by his love for play – dancing, singing, and playing all the time.
Tommy always wondered why his local recreation center didn’t have a field, which led his parents to dedicate a space in his honor after his passing. However, they faced months of opposition from locals who criticized everything from the size of the field to its artificial surface. Despite the pushback, the Marks persisted, with Doug crediting his wife Nikki for handling Tommy’s legacy with enthusiasm and care. The first Tommy’s Field was successfully opened at Westwood Recreation Center on September 26, 2021.
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During the challenges they faced, officials from Vista Del Mar became aware of the situation and invited the Marks to their campus. The family was deeply moved by what they saw and felt that Tommy’s spirit inspired them to build a second field. Doug emotionally expressed, “Tommy literally inspired it for kids who are different than he was. The school will now have a field that is flat, one that you can bounce a ball on and run without tripping on the ruts. It’s a great field to play on, and that’s what Tommy always wanted.”
The grand opening of the second Tommy’s Field at Vista Del Mar will provide a safe and accessible space for children to participate in sports and outdoor activities. It celebrates Tommy’s love for play and aims to create a positive and inclusive environment for all kids.
In addition to the field, the article features a rendering of Tommy’s Field at Vista Del Mar. The image showcases a vibrant and well-maintained space, reflecting the dedication and care put into its creation.
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Overall, the opening of the second Tommy’s Field is a testament to the perseverance and determination of Tommy’s parents to honor their son’s memory. It serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for children who share Tommy’s passion for sports and play. Through this collaboration with Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, the community gains access to a valuable resource that will positively impact the lives of many children for years to come.
