Jefferson County – Already in 35 states, “Miracle Field” comes to Colorado this fall to give people who use wheelchairs and walkers a field for their dreams.
The field, to join other ballfields at the Daniel L. Schaefer Athletic Complex at South Kipling Street and West Hampden Avenue, will provide a solid, rubberized surface so disabled children and adults can safely play softball, baseball and other field sports.
“For kids in wheelchairs, it’s tough for them to roll on grass,” said Rose Corazza of the Foothills Park & Recreation District, which is providing the land.
Kelly Stahlman’s twin 12- year-old sons, Mark and Eric, are two baseball nuts who “just absolutely light up” over the prospect of playing ball on their turf.
Both boys have cerebral palsy and use wheelchairs, making it difficult for them to become more than just spectators.
“They are very proud” of having a field suited for their needs, Stahlman said. “The kids want to do everything that kids who don’t have issues want to do.”
Mile High Miracle League officials said every participant will have the chance to hit the ball and score, with volunteer able-bodied “buddies” helping them swing, hit and move around the bases.
“It’s a wonderful barrier breaker for a lot of the high school kids who will help coach and be buddies,” said Stahlman’s husband, Bruce, who is on the Mile High Miracle League board.
When not in use by Miracle League play, the field will be used by other groups, including children’s T-ball.
Coordinating the funding, construction and operation of the specialized field is the Mile High Miracle League, a not-for- profit group that formed in August 2004.
The idea for the field was born last summer when Lisa Koenigsberg of south Jefferson County was watching a TV sports show about a “Miracle League” in Georgia.
“I was very, very touched by it,” Koenigsberg said.
So much so that she called across the metro area to find a similar group but found nothing.
“The amazing thing is when we were going around talking with the community that they built the infrastructure for able-bodied kids, but 5 (percent) to 7 percent of the 5-21 age group has some sort of disability so they cannot play on an organized league,” Koenigsberg said.
Koenigsberg and her husband, Roger, put $100,000 toward the field, and the Colorado Rockies, LaFarge Corp. and the Foothills Foundation contributed, along with other private sources.
Donations are still needed and can be made by visiting the league’s website, www.mhmlbb.org, or by calling 303-979-8828.
To register players or to volunteer, call Kevin Brown at the Foothills Park & Recreation District, 303-409-2610.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
