Birmingham’s Cooper Green Baseball Complex a home run for those with disabilities
The new Miracle League field at Birmingham's Cooper Green Baseball Complex is designed for accessibility. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr./Alabama NewsCenter)
Linda Coleman bristled when told that the Miracle League field at Birmingham’s new Cooper Green Baseball Complex was like a field of dreams: If you build it, they will come.
“We know they’re already here,” said Coleman, a state senator from Birmingham. “The issue that I’ve found is there have not been facilities that will enable them to be included. We want those families with children who are disabled to just go out and participate.”
Birmingham built on its connections to America’s game with the grand opening of the complex in April. One part of that complex – the Miracle League field – promises to provide access for countless physically and mentally challenged youth and adults.
Miracle League field makes new Cooper Green Baseball Complex all-access from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Mayor William Bell was on hand and took part in the ribbon-cutting for the 27-acre facility that includes an adult baseball field, four youth league fields and central hub building housing restrooms, press boxes, meeting room, official’s room, concession area and storage.
A pair of Police Athletic Teams youth baseball games christened the complex after Councilwoman Sheila Tyson threw out the first pitch. Just up the road, the Miracle League and T-ball fields were idle.
Coleman, who was absent because of a previous commitment, hopes the Miracle League field ushers in a new day of access for people with disabilities.
“We’re excited about this,” said Coleman, the Americans with Disabilities administrator for the city of Birmingham. “I think it puts Birmingham on par with many of the progressive cities that are looking at creating a more accessible city for all ages. We want people to see the abilities and not the disabilities.”
The Miracle League field is modified and adapted for people with disabilities. It features a relatively smooth, rubberized playing surface and open dugouts that permit easy access for people in wheelchairs and on walkers.
“Ever since we visited one of the Miracle fields here in the area (in Moody) I was fascinated with what they had done up there,” Coleman said. “Families of children with disabilities will bring them for miles from adjacent counties to participate because there aren’t many opportunities.”
The park project also includes a renovated picnic pavilion and restroom, a new walking trail and small amphitheater, and new parking areas and access drives. The total cost for the work was approximately $5 million, according to city’s public information office.
