$40,000 Donation Fuels Creation of Miracle League Field at Normain Heights Park

Photo byWSBT photo

The vision of building an inclusive sports field at Normain Heights Park took a significant step forward this week with a $40,000 donation from the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The funds, which came from proceeds of the Portage Manor auction held earlier this year, will be used to support the construction of the Miracle League Field—an initiative designed to go beyond a traditional ballpark and create an environment where all children can enjoy the game of baseball.

Parks Superintendent Phil Blasko emphasized that this project is not just about building a baseball field but fostering opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in sports. "It’s going to allow kids that have never played baseball before a chance and opportunity to not only play the sport, but also to be around peers that may look just like them," Blasko stated. "This will help break down barriers and create new friendships, making it more than just your traditional park."

The Miracle League Field, a specially designed venue with accessible features, reflects a larger goal of creating inclusive spaces where children of all abilities can thrive. By enabling kids who may have previously been sidelined to actively participate in sports, the project seeks to challenge societal norms and inspire new connections within the community.

With this donation, the City of Mishawaka moves closer to realizing its dream of a park that doesn’t just serve as a place for recreation but as a beacon of inclusivity and community engagement. The project marks a powerful statement about the transformative potential of public spaces.