The TM23 Foundation donated $1 million to support the construction of a soccer field at the future Sixth Street Park, Arts, River and Connectivity Project underneath the Sixth Street Viaduct, officials announced Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Board of Public Works presented a certificate of recognition to the foundation for its donation Wednesday. The $60 million, 12-park is expected to open at the end of 2026 and will span the LA River, connecting Boyle Heights and downtown’s Arts District.
Nikki and Doug Mark founded the TM23 Foundation in honor of their son Tommy, who passed away unexpectedly in 2018 at the age of 12. Its mission is to develop and support initiatives that “inspire children and young adults to play, pursue their dreams, be themselves and have a positive impact on their community.”
Once completed, the soccer field on the east side of the Sixth Street PARC will be named “Tommy’s Field — Boyle Heights.”
“On Tommy’s behalf and in his name, we are so honored to be involved in these public/private partnerships with our city to improve our parks and brighten the world with more play,” Nikki Mark said in a statement.
Interim City Engineer Alfred Mata thanked the foundation for its support.
“It exemplifies the true spirit of generosity and the desire to join with us in making the PARC an extraordinary space for kids and adults. We look forward to working with them and honoring their vision for the children of our city,” Mata said in a statement.
The Bureau of Engineering completed the $558 million Sixth Street Viaduct in 2021. The PARC, which broke ground in 2023, will feature soccer and multi-purpose fields, dog parks, water play, a basketball court, walking/jogging paths, fitness equipment, picnic areas, restroom buildings, a café building, landscaping and lighting. The project will also include the Leonard Hill Arts Plaza performing space, made possible by a $1 million donation by the Leonard Hill Foundation.
“There is no better place to share Tommy’s spirit of play than at the Sixth Street PARC,” said Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents the 14th Council District, where the PARC is located. “This soccer field will be a shared community space where generations of our young athletes will connect and grow. I’m grateful to the Bureau of Engineering for their work on this impactful project, and I thank the TM23 Foundation for their generous grant supporting a vibrant, long-lasting cultural legacy in Los Angeles.”