The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
OFFICIALS HOPING FOR A MIRACLE
Plans revealed for inclusive baseball field, playground adjacent to Classic Park
A wave of excitement could be felt through the concourse of Classic Park as community leaders gathered with members of Broadmoor’s basketball team.
They were there for a Sept. 29 news conference to reveal plans for Eastlake’s Miracle Park — an inclusive baseball field and playground.
Miracle League, a nationwide program with over 270 fields across the country, three of them in Ohio, has the motto of “every child deserves a chance to play ball.”
Typical baseball fields are not designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other apparatuses, so fields have been designed to remove the barriers preventing those with special needs and
Leaders from Lake County have worked to assemble a task force for fundraising.
disabilities from playing the game and allowing them to make friends and be treated like other kids.
One of the main obstacles children with disabilities face when it comes to sports is a grass playing field. Miracle League requires their fields be a latex-free, non-tacky rubberized playing surface, explained Lake County Captains General Manager Neil Stein.
There are only three different types of specialized materials allowed to go on these fields. Other field features are determine when plans are designed but could include such things as zip lines and quiet rooms in the dugouts for children who need a break from the noise or excitement.
The project is planned at the corner of Route 91 and Vine Street in Eastlake, adjacent to Classic Park, and will include construction of a Miracle League baseball playing field and a large, inclusive playground, which will provide play opportunities for individuals with all abilities.
Lake County has over 2,000 residents who can benefit from the utilization these facilities, which upon completion will be open year round, according to a media release from the City of Eastlake.
“The field and playground will be a place for kids and young adults to come from all over the county and the City of Eastlake to the things we all do every day,” said County Commissioner Judy Moran. “It is a heartwarming project that will put a smile on the faces of everyone involved. The Miracle Leagues Field and Playground will enhance this county as a wonderful
“It is a heart-warming project that will put a smile on the faces of everyone involved. The Miracle Leagues Field and Playground will enhance this county as a wonderful place for special needs individuals and their families.” — Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran
place for special needs individuals and their families.”
Leaders from Lake County have worked to assemble a task force for fundraising. Those behind this initiative include the Lake County commissioners, Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley, Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority Executive Director Mark Rantala, Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood Superintendent Elfie Roman, Deepwood Foundation Executive Director Rikke Coach, Lake County Educational Service Center Superintendent Brian Bontempo and Lake County Captains General Manager Neil Stein.
The cost of this project will be approximately $1.2 million and will be financed solely through private and corporate donors and contributions, stated both Morley and Moran.
Support for the project has already been received from several businesses and charities.
The fundraising campaign which will be led by Morris Beverage III, the president of Lighthouse advisers and board member of Lake-Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation, and will run starting in September.
The funds will be collected by Deepwood Foundation and Coach, and are tax deductible. The goal for organizers is to raise the needed funds by the end of March.
Moran is confident in the ability to raise the funds for the Miracle League park and hopes to see a groundbreaking in early spring with completion by August — in time for a shortened season of play.
Bontempo sees the benefits extending beyond the children with special need or disabilities. He views this as a chance for nondisabled students to volunteer with the project and learn more about disabilities.
“This project epitomizes the inclusive spirit of our Lake County community, and reinforces that all our citizens, of differing abilities, can live, work, and play together,” said Roman.
“This is a very special project and we look forward to making this happen,” said Morley. “Community resources like this enhance the county’s ability to attract a quality workforce. The commissioners’ commitment recognizes that quality of life items are important to the attractiveness of the community. I am confident we can raise the funds.”
For more information on how to get involved with the project, contact Mark Rantala at 440-3572290, ext. 232, or via email at MRantala@lcport.org. Organizations interested in making a financial contribution to the project can contact Rikke Coach with the Deepwood Foundation at 440-350-5208 or Rikke. Coach@lakebdd.org.