HISTORY
ALL-ACCESSIBLE SPORTS COMPLEX
In 2010, a committee lead by local lions’ clubs was formed to explore the idea of replicating accessible ball fields in surrounding counties as well as across the country. The idea that both children and adults, with developmental disabilities could participate in recreational and athletic endeavors on a safe and barrier free rubberized playing field was put into motion.
After several years of research and planning, the committee commissioned the design of a 260,000 sq. foot fenced in playing surface within a 10-acre complex. The plan included: A baseball/soccer etc. playing field in order that those with disabilities could enjoy the same recreational and competitive outdoor sports as their friends and siblings.
Years later the committee, after much hard work and effort in fundraising, slowly dissolved when several committee members left. The project was resurrected and with new members created an “All Accessible Sports Complex and Park Inc”. Board members have worked with the Fairfield County Commissioners, Developmental Disabilities, and the Fairfield County Foundation. Since then, much progress has been made, and significant funds have been raised specifically for this endeavor. There is still much to be accomplished and many more contacts to be made as we continue to make steady progress informing government, groups, and individuals of our project.
The location of the field will be at Miller Park in Lancaster. Our organization has formed a partnership with the Lancaster Parks to build the field on park property and then for the Lancaster Parks to then take ownership of the field after it is completed. We also have a partnership with the local Lancaster Rotary club to assist with raising funds to build an all-accessible playground next to the ballfield at Miller Park.
After several years of research and planning, the committee commissioned the design of a 260,000 sq. foot fenced in playing surface within a 10-acre complex. The plan included: A baseball/soccer etc. playing field in order that those with disabilities could enjoy the same recreational and competitive outdoor sports as their friends and siblings.
Years later the committee, after much hard work and effort in fundraising, slowly dissolved when several committee members left. The project was resurrected and with new members created an “All Accessible Sports Complex and Park Inc”. Board members have worked with the Fairfield County Commissioners, Developmental Disabilities, and the Fairfield County Foundation. Since then, much progress has been made, and significant funds have been raised specifically for this endeavor. There is still much to be accomplished and many more contacts to be made as we continue to make steady progress informing government, groups, and individuals of our project.
The location of the field will be at Miller Park in Lancaster. Our organization has formed a partnership with the Lancaster Parks to build the field on park property and then for the Lancaster Parks to then take ownership of the field after it is completed. We also have a partnership with the local Lancaster Rotary club to assist with raising funds to build an all-accessible playground next to the ballfield at Miller Park.
OBJECTIVES
ALL-ACCESSIBLE SPORTS COMPLEX
The number of participants varies according to each sport, which should average out to twelve per team. Those who use the facility will include Special Olympic teams of a variety of available sports, as well as adaptive physical education field trips for Forest Rose school students, and the local SOCIL organization will host sporting events there with their members. The Complex will also field teams from surrounding counties with teams consisting of athletes with disabilities; These counties are in close proximity with no facilities. We should be able to work them in when necessary.
The field itself will be equipped for a variety of sports including:
The field itself will be equipped for a variety of sports including:
Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Tennis, Bocce Ball, Basketball, Kickball
We are estimating to break ground in the spring of 2026 on both the ballfield and the playground assuming the required funding has been raised by then.