By @Vanessa Gonzales, CSDA Communications Specialist
Imagine a community baseball field where EVERYONE can play. This vision is the reality at Friendship Field at Freedom Park in Camarillo, California. Led by the Miracle League of the 805, in partnership with the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, the project began to take shape in 2020. Miracle League is an organization founded in 1998 on the dream of creating dedicated spaces where individuals with disabilities could enjoy the game of baseball just like their peers. Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District's participation, and commitment of property to the project, ignited a wave of community support and fundraising efforts that would last for two and a half years, culminating in a project that raised an astonishing $1.3 million. This achievement was a direct result of the unwavering dedication and passion of the Miracle League of the 805 and its supporters.
The original Miracle League baseball program began in Georgia when the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association invited children with unique abilities to play on a typical baseball field. That first season, on a grass and dirt field, 140 players came out to play baseball, and by the second season, a new type of field was developed just for Miracle League athletes. It’s a custom-designed field with a cushioned, rubberized surface. It makes it a little bit easier for special needs players to get from base to base.
A Collaborative Vision
The partnership between the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District (District) and the Miracle League of the 805 exemplifies the power of the public-private collaboration in creating facilities that cater to the diverse needs of the community. From the outset, the project team demonstrated a steadfast commitment to quality, versatility, and accessiblity, ensuring the design and planning of the field would meet the highest standards. The deeper goal, even beyond the creation of the field, was to emphasize the commitment to creating an environment where individuals of all abilities could gather to play.
Community engagement was paramount throughout this project, as evidenced by its wildly successful fundraising. The efforts of the Miracle League of the 805 to rally support and funding showcased the deep-rooted passion for inclusivity in the Camarillo community. Local businesses, families, and individual donors stepped up, demonstrating that the desire for a space where everyone could participate in sports transcends barriers. This collective spirit of giving and support ensured the financial viability of the project.
A Celebrated Opening Day
March 9, 2024, marked a historic day for the Camarillo community as it celebrated the opening of Miracle League play at Friendship Field at Freedom Park. This momentous occasion was the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and a steadfast belief in the power of inclusivity. For countless individuals and families, this was not just the opening of a baseball field; it was the realization of a dream where children and adults with disabilities could take to the field and experience the joy of playing baseball in a dedicated space.
The opening day festivities encapsulated the spirit of the project, bringing together a diverse array of community members, from athletes and coaches to families and local leaders. The joy on the faces of the participants spoke volumes about the impact this field would have on their lives and the broader community.
The Friendship Field at Freedom Park is a baseball field that symbolizes what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. The field sets a new standard for park facilities, proving that inclusive design is both achievable and vital. As the Miracle League of the 805 thrives at Friendship Field, its legacy will continue to inspire similar efforts for years to come.