City of Alexandria Hosts Dedication Ceremony for Kelley Cares Miracle Field

City of Alexandria Hosts Dedication Ceremony for Kelley Cares Miracle Field

For Immediate Release: November 14, 2012

The City of Alexandria invites the public to the dedication ceremony of the Kelley Cares Miracle Field at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St., on Saturday, November 17. The ceremony begins at 5 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the dedication ceremony will be held inside the Lee Recreation Center. Following the dedication, continue the celebration by attending a demonstration game with participants of the Miracle Baseball League of Alexandria; and a whiffle ball game featuring City officials, VIPs and community members.

A Miracle Field is a rubberized surface baseball diamond that allows people with special needs the opportunity to play outdoor sports in a safe and fun environment. The rubberized surface allows wheelchairs and walkers to be used safely. This is the first outdoor sports field constructed inside the Beltway specifically with special needs players in mind. The field features special plantings that have sensory and tactile benefits for players and picnic tables that allow people to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. A Wall of Fame has been erected to recognize the Miracle Field donors and a mural, incorporating features from therapeutic recreation classes, will be completed on an adjacent building by a local artist.

The Kelley Cares Miracle Field represents a successful public/private partnership, with participation from the entire community in providing an opportunity to this special segment of our population. The City of Alexandria contributed $285,000 in funding, the Miracle League of Alexandria raised over $150,000 in private sector funds, and construction firms donated almost $150,000 in services to the project. Donations ranged from $2 to $40,000 from a number of different sources throughout the community.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request reasonable accommodations or for additional information, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation or contact the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5402.