EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. – The Rich May Foundation announced today that they have reached their goal of raising $1.5M to complete Phase One of the Rich May Field Project.

The plan is to build an all-weather, turf field for the youth of East Palo Alto in slain Officer Rich May’s memory. This field will be the only full sized lighted soccer/rugby field in East Palo Alto.

Longtime rugby man Frank Merrill was Officer May's stepfather and serves as President of the Rich May Foundation.

“Rich, an East Palo Alto police officer, was killed in the line of duty on January 7, 2006. Our family wanted to do something positive to honor Rich," said Merrill. "It feels like we have been working for a long time and we will be thrilled to see the field open and know youth are playing on the field. We broke ground earlier this year and now thanks to the contribution of dedicated individuals, the field surface, bathrooms and manager’s office will be available for community use early next year.”

A grant for the part of the field surface was provided by USA Soccer Foundation. The initial agreements for the use of the land were made between the Catholic Church and the Ravenswood City School District. Phase Two will include lights, landscaping and funding for the field endowment.

“We are introducing our brick program and welcome end of the year contributions from the community. Information is available at www.richmayfoundation.org," added Merrill.

Checks or donations should be made out to the Rich May Foundation. For questions, contact Mike Child, RMF Development Chair and major donor of the field at mchild@ta.com or Clarice Merrill, RMF treasurer at 650.325.2694.

A field dedication ceremony will be held in early spring of 2015.

The building of the field in East Palo Alto is especially fitting as that area has a high crime rate (albeit one that is dropping) and has a reputation as a home base for several gangs. Still, East Palo Alto has also produced some rugby talent, including current USA 7s and 15s player, Folau Niua. It has the potential to be an important nursery of rugby talent in America. A lighted rugby field - a home to play on - could be part of that.