The “Field of Dreams” is complete.
A ribbon cutting for the Miracle League of the Okefenokee’s “Field of Dreams” will be held at 10 a.m. this Friday, Jan. 27, at the Trembling Earth Sports Complex, 2110 Recreation Drive, Waycross.
Serving Ware and seven surrounding counties, the new artificial turf baseball/softball field is the first of its kind for children and adults in wheelchairs along with traditional games.
The Ware County Chamber of Commerce and Sports Turf, the contractor for the project, will host the ribbon cutting. Visit bit.ly/ware-co-ribbon-cutting to register for the public event.
Sports Turf Company, based in Whitesburg, is a specialty sports construction and surfacing company.
The project included renovating the natural grass baseball field to artificial turf to provide a playing surface for children and adults of all abilities while utilizing traditional baseball and softball games.
“This project has been in our dreams for almost 20 years, and our entire community is thrilled to have a safe, dry and fully accessible field for our exceptional, special-needs and tee-ball players to play baseball,” the Miracle League of the Okefenokee Board President Berry Tanner said. “Ware County and Sports Turf have been great partners in helping us build our ‘Field of Dreams,’ and we know it will make a long-lasting, positive impact.”
The Miracle League of the Okefenokee has been fund raising for the field for many years, including participating in Friday Night Lights Events and “Dancing with the Southern Stars.”
The Miracle League of the Okefenokee baseball and softball field renovation allows players from Ware and seven surrounding counties to transcend their mental or physical disabilities while participating in baseball. The new surface provides accessibility for wheelchairs and allows pristine field conditions in any weather. The surface has dual use as a softball or baseball field while meeting the needs of the Miracle League.
“We’re honored that the Miracle League of the Okefenokee entrusted us with this impactful renovation that is so near and dear to the area,” Sports Turf Company President Todd Wiggins said. “Our team is a big proponent of the Miracle League, and we’re honored to provide all players with a safe, consistent dual-use surface. The system will truly change the way Parks and Recreation look at Miracle League systems nationwide.”
Sports Turf Company installed a Diamond Series system by AstroTurf, the inventor of synthetic turf and the original synthetic system for baseball fields across the nation. This project utilized its latest synthetic turf technology, Brock Powerbase YSR shock pad and organic, temperature-reducing BrockFILL infill. The system will reduce rainouts and can endure high traffic with little downtime while providing a consistent, wheelchair-accessible playing surface.
Sports Turf specializes in the construction and installation of sports surfaces, including natural grass and artificial turf fields, tennis courts and track surfaces. In addition, Sports Turf Company serves as a consultant and owner’s advocate through the entire process of selecting the best facility solutions and surfaces to meet owners’ specific needs.
The Miracle League of the Okefenokee was founded by a group of parents and caregivers. It began with the simple idea of providing children and adults of all abilities the chance to play baseball and softball. The Miracle League of the Okefenokee serves all communities in the Okefenokee area.
For more information about Sports Turf Company, please visit www.sportsturf.net or find them on Facebook and Twitter at @STCFieldBuilder. For more information about the Miracle League of the Okefenokee, please visit www.miracleleagueokefenokee.com.
