Groundbreaking of Miracle League Park in Mishawaka hits a home run with inclusive design
MISHAWAKA, Ind. (WSBT) — There was an emotional groundbreaking on Wednesday in Mishawaka as the city celebrated its new Miracle League Park.
It's a recreation space made for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
READ MORE:Inclusive baseball field will be built at Mishawaka's Normain Heights Park
READ MORE:$40,000 donation for Miracle League Field at Normain Heights Park
Besides a fully accessible baseball field, Miracle League Park will feature an inclusive playground, splash pad, accessible bathrooms, softball field, pavilions, and sensory areas. (WSBT photo)
The design at Normain Park is the first of its kind in the state of Indiana and will be accessible for every visitor.
Today, we are turning dreams into reality. Today, we are changing the mindset of 'What if?' to 'I can,'" said Mishawaka Parks Superintendent Phil Blasko.
Families and donors gathered to watch the first pile of dirt being shoveled, marking the beginning of the newly solidified project.
Besides a fully accessible baseball field, Miracle League Park will feature an inclusive playground, splash pad, accessible bathrooms, softball field, pavilions, and sensory areas. (WSBT photo)
It's a dream that's been 14 years in the making for Campaign Chairman Richard Pfeil.
My son John and my daughter Mary have handicaps and they are so persistent and they do so well and they're so successful in their lives despite their handicaps that it just makes you be very persistent as a parent to kind of get from them that wonderful spirit," said Campaign Chairman Richard Pfeil.
Pfeil contributed over $1 million of his own money to help bring this project to reality.
This is the first park that's totally designed around entirely inclusivity. And so from the baseball, miracle field, all the way through the splash pad, the playground, everything included in this park is it's going to be a special place," said Mayor Dave Wood, (R) Mishawaka.
The accessible park, serving over 80-thousand people, and once complete, will be a safe place for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities to play.
Besides a fully accessible baseball field, Miracle League Park will feature an inclusive playground, splash pad, accessible bathrooms, softball field, pavilions, and sensory areas. (WSBT photo)
We are normal people," said Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Employee Zachary Tuttle.
It's a moment for families to know their child will no longer have to watch a baseball or softball game from the bleachers, but instead, be the one to hit a home run.
Today, I am proud to announce that no one will be left out on the sidelines or in the dugouts in Mishawaka," said Blasko.
Officials say they’re still hoping to raise a bit more money for the project to ensure the park gets everything it needs.
“It’s certainly a point of pride to have this to have this the first in Indiana, but it’s a responsibility to do it right and we’re committed to doing it right," said Mayor Wood.
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It’s expected to be completed by July of next year.
