FARMINGTON – The efforts to maintain and improve the Hippach Field and fieldhouse through the generosity of Peter Mills were acknowledged Friday as family members and town officials gathered for the unveiling of his portrait and plaque.

The portrait dons the walls of the newly refurbished fieldhouse along with that of Abbott School basketball star Howard Hippach, for whom the field was named.

“Dad, who was four years old when the field was dedicated, grew up on this field,” said son Paul Mills. “He was an athlete himself, playing nine years of football.”

Mills enjoyed baseball, swimming and the wholesome life lived through sports, added daughter Janet Mills.

A trust fund set up by Mills to benefit the town’s recreation department continues a vision for the field where community members swim, skate, play tennis and enjoy lighted baseball games.

“His legacy is one example of the unselfish donations of many who have kept Hippach Field a jewel of Farmington,” said Stephan Bunker, chairman of the board of selectmen.

The town is very grateful for Peter Mills’ efforts for the field … a great facility and the improvements in the fieldhouse will make skating this winter even more pleasurable, added Town Manager Richard Davis.

The field was donated to the town when the small private Abbott School closed. Several improvements to the fieldhouse have been made this year including the addition of paneling, insulation, an inside bathroom and wood stove donated by Northern Lights, said Recreation Director Steve Shible.

Yet one wall still bears a bulletin board with a wavy brown line about five and a half feet off the floor – a reminder of the water mark from the flood of 1987 was kept.