Leaders from Mobile County Public Schools, the Mobile County Commission, the City of Mobile, and members of the Schmidt-Barton family cut the ribbon on Thursday, October 17, at the grand opening of the Miracle League of West Mobile: Schmidt Family Park.
As the first Miracle League site in Mobile County, the park includes a baseball field and playground constructed specifically for children with special needs. The park is currently only open on a limited basis until a park manager can be hired. Visit the Miracle League of West Mobile: Schmidt Family Park Facebook page for updates.
The inaugural baseball game at the park took place immediately following the opening ceremonies, with the Baker High baseball team and the baseball and softball teams from the University of Mobile lending a helping hand to the athletes. Ambassadors from Mary G. Montgomery High and the marching band from LeFlore Magnet High School also participated in the opening ceremonies.
The idea for the Miracle League of West Mobile: Schmidt Family Park, located off West Johnson Road near the Mobile Regional Airport, originated with the Schmidt-Barton family. In 2020, the family generously donated 24 acres and $1 million for matching funds with the idea of a public-private partnership to create a Miracle League facility in Mobile. The groundbreaking ceremony for this event took place four years ago, and since then, the vision of a few became the work of many who united to build the baseball field and adjacent playground for children and adults with special needs.
At Thursday's grand opening, the Schmidt-Barton family donated another $1 million.
Schmidt Family Park was constructed in accordance with the standards of The Miracle League, which affiliates with 240 similar parks across the United States and Canada. These standards will allow children with mental and physical disabilities to experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. It’s more than just a game. The Miracle League is about making new friends, building self-esteem and being treated just like other athletes.
What’s so special about this park?
The baseball field features a synthetic rubberized turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices while helping to prevent injuries. The field has double-wide lanes, allowing the players more space as they round the bases. The playground includes inclusive swings, slides, structures and fitness equipment, wheelchair ramps, and even a zip line.
Several community organizations stepped up to the plate in making the park a reality. The Alabama Pecan Development Company, Inc., donated more than 24 acres to the project and South Alabama Utilities donated more than 4 acres. The Mobile County Commission paved the road leading into the park. And Mobile County Public Schools has overseen the construction, fundraising, financing, and marketing of the park.
We are not done yet. Our goal is to add a regulation baseball field and softball field. Our hope is to one day build a school on the site. To do that, we need your help. Donations are being accepted at mcpss.com/miracleleague.