February 4, 2020 – City of Midland Parks and Recreation is ready to make a miracle happen in the Midland community – and we’re asking for the public to help!
Parks and Recreation has launched a $50,000 crowdfunding initiative to support construction on the Midland Miracle Field, the City’s barrier-free baseball field in Central Park that will serve children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. In addition to baseball games, the field will also host events and activities for all members of the community to enjoy.
As a participant in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)’s Public Spaces Community Places program, the campaign will receive a matching $50,000 grant from the MEDC if the campaign reaches its funding goal, totaling $100,000 in financial support to the project. Donations can be made to the crowdfunding campaign through Friday, April 3, 2020.
Community members can donate to the project online at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/miraclefield. Donors wishing to provide support via cash or check can donate directly to the Central Park Miracle League Fund at the Midland Area Community Foundation. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring the Midland Miracle Field project are invited to contact Recreation Manager Marcie Post at 989-837-6930 or recreation@midland-mi.org.
Construction of the field, including parking lot areas, restrooms, concessions, a clubhouse, and park shelters is scheduled to begin in April with an estimated completion date in Fall 2020.
Total cost of the project is estimated at $1.6 million, including a $100,000 endowment fund for future maintenance needs. To date, Parks and Recreation has received $1.1 million of its $1.6 million funding goal thanks to the generous contributions of the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, Midland Area Community Foundation, Michigan Baseball Foundation, Midland 100 Club, and the Patricia and David Kepler Foundation.
“We’ve had an overwhelming number of organizations and individuals ask how they can get involved in making the Miracle Field a reality in our community,” said Director of Public Services Karen Murphy. “Midland is an incredibly generous community and this crowdfunding campaign gives those passionate about the project an opportunity to support the field and be a part of this amazing project. We’re very grateful for the support we’ve received to date and look forward to the throwing out the first pitch this fall!”
Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring the Midland Miracle Field project are invited to contact Recreation Manager Marcie Post at 989-837-6930 or recreation@midland-mi.org.
To donate to the project,or to learn more about the Midland Miracle Field and the Middle of the Mitt Miracle League, please visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/miraclefield.
About the Midland Miracle Field
The Midland Miracle Field will be designed as a poured-rubber, barrier-free surface to provide a safe, fully-accessible place for children with physical or cognitive disabilities to play baseball. Once completed, the field will be home to the Middle of the Mitt Miracle League with spring and fall leagues open to players from all Michigan communities. Miracle League players are partnered with an on-field buddy to help with fundamentals and assist during the game, and every player bats, runs, and scores in every inning.
