State Awards Miracle League $250,000 for Field.
December 22nd, 2015 by
In the fall of 2016 children with disabilities will finally be able to play ball in Monticello.
Monday, Monticello Mayor Zack Tucker received a letter from Governor Hutchinson announcing Arkansas Department Parks & Tourism has awarded the city $250,000 of grant funding from the state’s Outdoor Recreation Grants Program.
The grant will go towards construction of the artificial turf field at the Monticello Sports Complex,. dedicated for the use of special needs children; which will begin construction in the spring of 2016.
In September 2014, the Miracle League of Southeast Arkansas, a local non-profit organization, was formed and made a push to raise $150,000 to start construction on the region’s first-of-its-kind field in Southeast Arkansas. Today, due to the overwhelming support of the project, nearly $600,000 is committed to the complete the field; and other ADA accessibility needs at the complex.
The $250,000 of state grant funds, is programed to be matched with $150,000 of local city government funds, an additional $150,000 from the local Miracle League non-profit, and over $50,000 of in-kind commitments from local community organizations & businesses.
Karen Connelley, Miracle League president said, “We are eager to provide a place for special-needs children to play baseball at the Monticello Sports Complex, and are confident that our field of dreams can become a reality next year.”
The Miracle League field will be part of a 10-field baseball and softball complex owned by the cuty. The field will feature a custom-designed, rubberized turf that accommodates wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices while helping to prevent injuries. The Miracle League uses a buddy system which pairs each player with an able-bodied peer to help them play.
To volunteer, contribute, or learn more about the Miracle League of Southeast Arkansas, as an organization, visit their website at miracleleagueseark.org.
For more information about the project, contact City Hall, 870-364-4400.
Wonderful. This is perhaps the most worthwhile project undertaken in our community in God knows when. A blessing, not just to special needs people, but to those who love them as well.