Harmon Field gives $3,000 to senior project

TRYON — Renovations to the open-air gymnasium are becoming closer to reality, as the Harmon Field Board of Supervisors gave $3,000 as seed money for a student to do his senior project.

The board met Tuesday and agreed to give Mason Lassiter $3,000.

Lassiter is a junior at the Polk County Early College and is doing his senior project next year renovating the gym.

The board approved a new budget this week, to include an additional $109,627. After funding several new projects and leaving some fund balance, the board decided to give most of the leftover $4,000 to Lassiter for the gym. 

Board member Rick Covil said he would like to keep 8 percent in fund balance and have money to give Lassiter for the gym.

Mary Greene said she grew up in this community and her son used to play on the playground, but once he became a teenager, there was nothing for teens to do in the area.

“I’d rather him drive to Harmon Field and do a pick-up game of basketball than drive to Spartanburg,” Greene said. “I think a lot of people will support it. This is really important to a lot of people.”

Covil said he would like to help the young man, and motioned to give Lassiter $3,000.

Lassiter said he started a GoFundMe Page on Saturday and had raised $300 so far.

He told the board during its last meeting that he wants to replace the floor at the gym, which is slick, as well as replace goals, add a bench and a water fountain.

He has estimates for new flooring, which with flex courting would be $24,000. In total, Lassiter estimates the total renovation would be $34,000.

The Harmon Field board decided to keep the $3,000 separately for the project, since the online fundraising takes a percentage of the money.

Donations can be dropped off at the Polk County Early College, with checks made payable to Mason Lassiter.

Those interested in donating may visit the GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/harmon-field-basketball-court?pc=em_co_shareflow_m&rcid=r01-153822535955-68edb2c2887f40cf.