Horsham Township officials hope plans will transform into the township's own Field of Dreams.
HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —It wasn't a hanging curve ball or even a slider that went right down the middle of the plate.
This pitch, members of Miracle Field of Horsham hoped, would be hit out of the ballpark.
And from the applause of residents, the project might be a home run.
The members of the township have been making the rounds throughout the township to show off plans for a Miracle League field that they hope will be as much of a jewel as its baseball diamond among others across the country.
"We've assembled a team that I can't be more proud of this group," President William Slaymaker said. "It's just been three years of a lot of hard work by them all to get this field built."
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Township officials have said they're hoping the field can be the gem to upgrade township parks around, serving as the centerpiece for upgrades to Deep Meadow Park.
But more money needs to be raised.
Slaymaker said at a mid-August presentation before about 30 residents that nearly $2 million has been raised, enough to complete Phase 1 construction costs.
An Oct. 13 fundraiser called the "Monster Ball" will take place at The Fuge in Warminster with costumes, a casino, and music in hopes of raising funds for the field.
Slaymaker said after incorporating in 2021, members have raised funds with 5K races, Diamond Nights, and also received a $1 million grant from the state. The plans were also pitched to the Philadelphia Eagles in hopes of receiving a contribution at an exhibition game in August.
Representatives hope the field will be ready for next fall with an opening date of September.
Through its affiliation with Horsham Little League, the Miracle Field of Horsham will provide opportunities for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities to play baseball and softball in a safe and inclusive environment where they will find comfort, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
"We're community connected with baseball, football, lacrosse, and soccer, but we're missing a challenger league," said Horsham Councilman Sean Wade, who is also a Miracle Field board member.
Plans are to make this field the township's own Field of Dreams.
Organizers are seeking a field —which will be located in the middle of the park —that's bigger than the standard field size, which might boost costs for the extra turf to cover the additional square footage. There's also easier access to the parking lot with a valet area where players and coaches with equipment can be dropped off right by the field. There will be 25 handicapped-accessible parking spots with the township paving the lot in the park.
The complex will also feature three handicapped-accessible bathrooms with a shower and an area to sell merchandise or hold special events right behind the storage area.
The field will also have surveillance cameras and an ADA-compliant announcer booth. The dugout will be broken up into sections so players can communicate and "build friendships" with one another more easily, Wade said.
The field would also be accessible for other uses as well.
"We hope to have field hockey and soccer here," Slaymaker said, adding that a veterans league, rugby league, and a special-needs soccer team may also be considered.
"Nothing would make me more happy than having the field worn out," he said.
One resident who attended the meeting suggested that the field could possibly be used for concerts.
The field will be sloped for fans to watch and a picnic area will also be provided along with a small sensory garden.
Slaymaker said Phase II includes remodeling the park's existing playground.
But what really matters most to organizers are the children who will play the games.
"These are kids we are going to take care of," Slaymaker said. "The location says something. These are kids who are important to us."
(Photo by Dino Ciliberti/Patch)
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