SIOUX CITY | For the first time in Sioux City, people with mental and physical disabilities will have a place to call their own to play league baseball.
Miracle Field opened in September as part of the nationally recognized Georgia-based Miracle League that aims to provide opportunities for the disabled. A dedication ceremony was held at the Siouxland Youth Athletics Sports Complex.
Kevin Negaard, president of the Miracle League of Sioux City, said the project was a joint effort between the organization and city to create a baseball program for people regardless of ability level.
More than 400 people are expected to participate in the spring and summer leagues. There is no age limit to register. The first player to sign up was 33 years old.
Miracle Field and its nearby 7,500-square-foot inclusive playground were built with an overlay of rubberized material that accommodates wheelchairs and other devices. The playground includes features designed to accommodate people with paralysis, autism and other physical or sensory disabilities.
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“It’s built with such excellence that it’ll attract all kids and all people,” Negaard said. “We’ll have this really natural integrated environment of disabled kids and the nondisabled working together and breaking down barriers.”
The field cost $425,000, and the playground was $275,000. Both were paid with donations. Negaard said Tyson Fresh Meats and CNOS were the largest contributors. The field also includes a $50,000 electronic scoreboard from VIZIO.
The city of Sioux City donated $333,000 to the project to build a concession stand and restroom, which will be shared with the nearby soccer field. Miracle League of Sioux City wants to raise funds to install a splash pad by June 2016.
“It’s just been a lot of fun to work with Kevin on this project,” said Sioux City Parks and Recreation Director Matt Salvatore. “They’ve done just about everything, and we’ve helped where we can.”
Negaard said he wanted to bring Miracle Field to Sioux City after learning about the program in August 2013. Similar facilities exist in Sioux Falls, Des Moines and Omaha.
“I think it’s a great example of somebody with a little passion, the city getting involved, a church getting involved and a whole bunch of citizens that create something that’s really beneficial for our community and not a burden for anybody,” Negaard said.
As part of a second phase of the facility, the Miracle League of Sioux City wants to construct a splash pad this year and eventually a wheelchair-accessible miniature golf course. Fundraising efforts are ongoing.
