(Cherry Hill, NJ) – Miracle League fall baseball is in full swing at Boundless Field at Challenge Grove Park in Cherry Hill. The series hosted by the Freeholder Board is being held Saturdays through Oct. 14, 2017.
“Children in wheelchairs, kids who use walkers or kids who never would be able to round the bases on a regular baseball diamond are afforded the opportunity to participate in an organized sporting event like their peers,” Freeholder Deputy Director Ed McDonnell said. “The field’s 13,000 square foot rubber playing surface allows for handicapped accessibility. In addition, it is covered with a playing surface that provides color, durability and safety.”
Boundless Field opened in 2013 to accommodate handicap accessible baseball games and Special Olympics events. The field’s baselines are 50 feet from one another and the distance from home plate to the fence at center field is 125 feet. More than 100 children and adults with special needs, and community volunteers will gather at the nationally recognized venue each weekend this fall.
“Boundless Field offers new opportunities for these children and the Freeholder Board is proud to be part of a program that brings smiles to so many faces,” said Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Park System. “As elected officials, our goal is to improve the quality of life in Camden County, and this extraordinary place does just that for a special group of athletes.”
Nash went on to say the field is one among many other fully accessible amenities in the network of parks and trails that make the system nationally renowned.
“Boundless Field is located at the Camden County Park System’s award-winning and fully accessible Challenge Grove Park at Borton’s Mill and Caldwell Roads in Cherry Hill,” Nash said. “This treasure of the Camden County Park System is also home to Jake’s Place Playground for children with physical limitations. Jake’s Place Playground is the region’s first boundless playground, which was designed to be enjoyed by everyone regardless of physical ability.”
At a typical Miracle League game every player bats once per inning, players are not called out on the bases, every player scores a run each inning and both teams win the game. Players are given “buddies” to assist them during the game. The “buddies” are often brothers, sisters and friends, as well as other adults and children who volunteer their time to help players participate in the game.
This is one of the many programs organized by the Freeholder Board’s Division of Programming for People with Disabilities. Throughout the year, they sponsor numerous programs ranging from golf and horseback riding lessons to dances and bingo nights. For a complete list of activities, please visit, https://www.camdencounty.com/service/disabilities-special-needs.