Thursday, April 2, 2009
Publication: Bucks County Local News
BY Brandy Cloud
The Miracle League of Northampton is on its way to bringing a multi-purpose field to the township that would allow individuals with physical and mental disabilities to play an array of sports.The project came underway in 2006 and three years later has a home within the Northampton Township Municipal Park.
The field itself will be made of a flat rubberized material to prevent injuries and will include a baseball diamond complete with a wheel chair accessible dug out.
The outfield of the baseball field is a multi-purpose field that could also be used for such sports as soccer, lacrosse and even football. The township anticipates the field to be used for senior citizen activities, as well.
Ed Radlow, Vice Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board, explained that this multi-purpose athletic field would be a first of its kind.
He said as a member of parks and rec, his group saw the merit in the project immediately. "There is no field like this within a 15-mile radius."
The field will be made available to all residents in Bucks and organizers anticipate the field could draw visitors from as far as Philadelphia.
"Bottom line this is a population that is under served," said township resident Debbi Katz, a Special Olympics Coach and Northampton Miracle League Organizer.
She noted that though this project they are "trying to decrease boundaries, open up opportunities, and get them out with everyone else."
While projected costs are still in finalization, Radlow estimates it will land between $500,000 and $800,000.
Currently organizers have only raised 5 to 10 percent of the projects costs through fundraising efforts, according to Katz.
The project has taken on several fundraising projects and they are currently selling personalized bricks to the public, which would be displayed by the field.
If allotted, the project would also include a playground constructed specifically with special needs children in mind. The playground would be parallel to the field and built in conjunction.
Organizers have submitted up to six grant requests and Rep. Patrick Murphy's (D-8) office has helped identify other grants for which they may be eligible, according to Katz.
There is no specific date for the start of construction, however, Radlow stated they would like for it begin this time next year, with plans for completion by summer 2010.
"If we had the money we could break ground tomorrow," said Katz. Adding that to move forward quicker, the project needs corporate sponsorship.
Both Radlow and Katz expressed their gratitude for the community support that the project has received.
Several businesses have offered their services including landscaping, the lending of bulldozers and one business even said they would help put down asphalt.
"We really just are encouraging people to get involved," said Katz.
The Northampton Miracle League will hold opening ceremonies on April 5 at 5 p.m. at the township recreation center. The league said their able-bodied members will march to the field where they plan to someday have their first game.
The first Miracle League was first organized in Georgia in 1998. Eleven years later there are currently 200 leagues in the county, 100 rubberized fields and 100 fields under construction.
Northampton Township would house the first rubberized field that could be used for baseball.