Mystic Valley Regional Charter School broke ground on a new athletics facility on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at the site of the former Davidson Chevrolet on Eastern Avenue in Malden.

Neil Kinnon, chairman of the Mystic Valley Board of Trustees, spoke briefly at the ceremony, according to a press release. He noted that the groundbreaking was "the culmination of a long process" and that he "couldn't be more pleased with where we ended up."

Mystic Valley Executive Director, Dr. Joseph McCleary said, according to the press release, that "this is a great day for Mystic Valley and all charter public schools. Our new facility is a testament to the perseverance of the school's board as well as the families, teachers and staff, and all those who value choice and excellence in public education."

Mystic Valley currently is the only school in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference that does not have a true home location for its winter sports activities. The school is currently forced to rent space off campus for many of its sporting events. 

The planned facility will include a gymnasium that can accommodate the school's basketball and volleyball teams and a swimming pool. Because of the site's proximity to the school, Mystic Valley will be able to use the building for a multitude of school purposes.

Mystic Valley anticipates partnering with various area organizations that would like to use the facility.

This information was submitted by Mystic Valley spokesman Martin Gately.