City officials are planning to start building an accessible baseball field in Midland this fall.
Last year, the city announced plans to have a fully accessible baseball field. Now, the city is raising money for the $1.6 million project.
Part of the budget includes a $100,000 endowment fund for future maintenance.
The fully accessible “Middle of the Mitt Miracle Field” features an all rubber surface for people with cognitive and physical disabilities.
City Recreation Manager, Marcie Post said people with physical disabilities have a difficult time on traditional baseball fields because things like bases and grass are barriers.
“If you have a mobility device, or wheelchair there are no bases to get hung up on because the bases are actually made of a different color of rubber,” Post said.
Post said there are fields like this in association with the national league, but not in the counties that they hope to participate, such as Gladwin, Clare and Isabella counties.
“It can only have an amazing impact,” Post said. “To have an opportunity for these athletes to play baseball in their own backyard, I have to imagine it will really increase the quality of life for our residents and everyone who is involved in the project.”
Post said Midland is an affiliate of the Miracle League of Michigan and they are on track to meet the national guidelines.
