Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: January 23, 2022
What is a Miracle League field?
A Miracle League field is a custom-designed field with a cushioned, rubberized turf to help prevent injuries, wheelchair-accessible dugouts and a completely flat, barrier-free surface to provide accessibility for visually impaired players, players in wheelchairs or with other assistive equipment. The field is completely fenced in providing another level of safety.
A Miracle League field provides opportunities for children with physical and cognitive challenges to participate in recreational activities in an accessible, nurturing, and non-competitive environment where families can come together to cultivate new friendships and experience the joy of play.
What is the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut?
A project to build a Miracle League field in the northern section of the state. The proposed Miracle League field of Northern Connecticut will have a synthetic short turf surface that is fully accessible. Bases and pitching mounds are painted onto the surface so that there are no raised obstacles that you would find on a typical baseball field. The dugouts are enlarged to accommodate wheelchairs and other apparatus. The pitching mound is slightly raised to create run off so no water pools on the surface. The base path, pitching, and outfield fence distances are a bit shorter than a typical Little League field. The goal is to make this field appear as similar as possible to a typical Little League field while allowing accessibility and safety for all. The Miracle League of Northern Connecticut is planning on including a turf soccer field that could be utilized by the TOPS Soccer program, disabled veterans, senior citizens, kickball, and lacrosse leagues as well.
Are there other Miracle League fields?
Yes, there are 240 nationwide. There are two other fields in Connecticut. One in West Hartford and another in East Lyme. The Miracle League is a national organization that provides guidance and program support for starting a Miracle league and constructing fields in local communities. The first Miracle League field was built in Conyers, Georgia in 2000.
Is this project registered as a 501c3 non-profit organization?
Yes
Where will the field be built?
The Miracle Field of Northern Connecticut will be built at Northeast School in Vernon, just off route 30 and just east of Route 31 at 69 East Street
What will the cost be?
The cost will be highly dependent on the final site, and the work that will be needed to prepare the site. Our estimate is $600K for site work and field construction. These costs are in-line with other Miracle League fields.
Who is paying for the field?
Private funding to pay for the field.
Will the turf need to be replaced in future, and will the town have to pay?
Yes, the turf will need to be replaced in about 12-15 years. But the program will raise and continue to fundraise not just for original construction but for future replacement costs.
When is the project expected to be completed?
We estimate it will take 2-3 years to raise the capital to begin construction.
Construction should take about 4-6 months, depending on the amount of site preparation required, when our funding goals are reached.
How will funding be raised?
The project will coordinate multiple fundraising initiatives, including things like car washes, golf tournaments, Gala’s, tag sales, and online donations to name a few.
We will also be looking for corporate donations and submitting applications for grants.
Have we raised money already?
Yes, while we have just started, we have already raised over $220K. We have events planned every month for the remainder of the year and plan to make many annual events. We have also secured Boston Celtic and Red Sox raffle prices, and the Red Sox CFO has joined our advisory committee.
Why do we need another field and is it just for baseball?
Children with disabilities do not have a safe place to access and play baseball in the area. The Miracle League field could possibly be used by over 300 children with special needs and over 1000 in Tolland County. Thousands more including other towns in Northern Connecticut. The field can be constructed for both baseball and soccer, but be used for kickball, lacrosse and other field games .
Is the field only for children with disabilities?
No, the field will be for everyone. One of the most important aspects of Challenger Baseball and the Miracle League program is the inclusion of able bodied Buddies to assist, cheer on the players. Our goal is that every player that wants one can have a Buddy on and off the field. If located at an Elementary School this field would provide a safe field to be used year round for gym and recess. The field would be available for recreational t-ball and soccer.
How is the project being managed?
The project was launched by Steve and Laurel Leibowitz. It is now being governed by an Executive Committee, Board of Directors and an Advisory Council to manage fundraising, finance, communications,etc. Committees and subcommittees support the initiatives and events. We welcome and encourage community members to share their talents and join our village.
How can I help?
There are multiple ways you can assist, here are a few options.
Volunteer – go to our website Miracle League of Northern Connecticut (miracleleaguenorthernct.org) and enter your information to get involved.
Participate in Events – keep an eye on our social media sites to see upcoming events and please join the fun.
Donate – our web site allows you to donate directly to the project. Or feel free to contact Steve or Laurel directly about a gift.
Be an Ambassador – help spread the word about the program. The project is for our community and the more people who are aware and help the more successful we will be.
Where can I get more information?
You can find us on the web, Facebook, or Instagram
Facebook @MiracleLeaguenct
Miracle League of Northern Connecticut | Facebook
Instagram @miracleleaguenct
https://instagram.com/miracleleaguenct?r=nametag
How can I keep updated on progress?
Facebook page, Website, and ongoing communications