ADAMS TWP — Representatives from MHY Family Services and the Leadership Butler County Class of 2015 on Monday morning broke ground in the center of the MHY campus for a pavilion.

MHY, formerly known as the Mars Home for Youth, provides services to troubled and abused youths.

Lisa Schiller, executive director of MHY, said building an outdoor gathering space on the main campus has been a goal of the organization for years.

Schiller said MHY plans to use the pavilion primarily as an outdoor classroom for Longmore Academy, which is its school.

“If we have an additional outdoor space, it can help the teachers use creative ways to keep kids engaged in learning,” she said, explaining many lessons and activities already are held outdoors during the year.

She said MHY also will use the pavilion for therapy groups, volunteer groups, staff training, team building, and a voluntary chaplaincy program.

Plus, Schiller said the pavilion will be available for the public to use.

“The pavilion will always be here no matter the weather,” she said. “We won’t have to worry about renting equipment.”

Leadership Butler County, which runs from September to May of each year, gathers about 20 individuals from businesses, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations to educate them about many aspects of the county.

In addition to leadership development, each year’s class selects a community service project.

Class member Debbie Crum of Cranberry Township talked with MHY staff in the fall about making a proposal for that class project.

“What drew me to (MHY) is there is a chance to impact potential leaders there,” she said. “It’s not just to have something there for years, but to inspire them about it.”

Mark Buchek, also of Cranberry and chairman of the Class of 2015, said the class voted to support MHY’s project because it would improve MHY’s education programs while also being a resource for the community.

The gazebo-style building will have railings and gates that will emphasize the structure’s use as a classroom. It will be about 60 feet long by 40 feet wide.

Buchek said once permits are approved, a concrete pad will be poured, and construction of the structure will follow.

Buchek said the class has raised more than $30,000, which was enough to get construction started. He said the minimum cost of the project is about $50,000.

Buchek said sponsorship opportunities remain. The class is selling metal picnic table and bench sponsorships, as well as concrete paver sponsorships for a walkway and study garden.

For information or to donate, contact the Butler County Chamber of Commerce at 724-283-2222 or visit www.butlercountychamber.com or www.facebook.com/LeadershipButlerCounty.