Field Of Dreams

Miracle League building fields for all in Vernon and beyond

Everyone deserves to have fun. Part of growing up involves getting outdoors, participating in group activities and team sports, and living life. But many of our outdoor facilities are not built with inclusivity in mind. The Miracle League of Northern Connecticut has worked with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to build one such field in Vernon.

The Miracle League announced a partnership with the foundation to construct a park at the Northeast School in Vernon, with the Foundation funding the actual park construction and assisting in fundraising efforts to maintain the field and add programming.

It will be what they call a “Miracle League Field,” one that “provides opportunities for children with physical and cognitive challenges to participate in recreational activities in an accessible, nurturing, and non-competitive environment where families can come together to cultivate new friendships and experience the joy of play.

Importantly, the field will be built with a “short turf” that is fully wheelchair accessible and cushioned, and the pitching mound and bases are painted onto the surface so that there are no raised obstacles.

All in all, “the goal is to make this field appear as similar as possible to a typical little league field while allowing accessibility and safety for all.”

In addition to outfitting the field for baseball, there will be possible uses for soccer, kickball and lacrosse as well.

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation was founded to “honor the legacy and life of Cal Ripken, Sr.,” one of baseball’s greats. The Foundation “prepares at-risk youth for life’s challenges by teaching them critical life skills such as teamwork, communication, work ethic, and respect.”

Miracle League Field would be able to host over 300 children with special needs according to their website, and over 1000 in Tolland County overall.

They hope to have up to six Miracle Leagues in the state of Connecticut. There are two other fields in Connecticut, one in West Hartford and one in East Lyme. There are over 200 miracles leagues nationwide.

It’s important that kids get out there, under the sun on a nice day. Participation in group activities is just part of growing up. Thanks to the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, kids of all needs will have a place to grow and learn. But most importantly, have fun.