The 1441-square-foot concession building will include two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant public restrooms as well as a locker room and accessible restroom for the players. The building will also provide office space and storage for the Miracle League, and the concession area will be operated by Easter Seals clients.
“This is a real win/win for the City and the Miracle League,” commented Acting P&R Director Doug Block. “The kids win through the building of additional restrooms and real life work experience and the City wins in terms of additional public restrooms for all of our programs (tennis, softball, volleyball, handball, picnic rentals). Additionally, this is an excellent example of a public/private partnership that will produce tangible results for all parties.”
The Miracle League is a non-profit organization that provides children with physical or cognitive disabilities an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. The city of Southfield is home to Michigan’s first Miracle League baseball field that is located at the north end of the municipal complex. During each Miracle League game, every child is given an opportunity to hit the ball and score a run. Games are played on special fields designed with a custom synthetic turf and handicapped accessible dugouts, restrooms and drinking fountains. Miracle League team members are assigned “buddies” who assist them in hitting the ball and “running” the bases. Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, parents, college students, business leaders or anyone who wishes to volunteer their time to give a child the gift of baseball.
The Miracle League of Michigan and Easter Seals of Michigan completed architectural plans for the construction of the concession and restroom building that will be located just west of the Miracle League field. The Miracle League has successfully secured funds, as well as donated labor and materials, to construct the building in the 2014 season.
The Southfield Planning Commission gave unanimous favorable consideration of the project at their June 18 Regular Meeting. The Southfield City Council officially approved the request at the July 21 City Council Meeting.
For more information, call Southfield Parks & Recreation at (248) 796-4620.