The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and the City of Green have reached an agreement for a sports field that will be the first in Ohio.
The foundation, named after Baltimore Orioles coaching legend Cal Ripken Sr. – father of Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member Cal Ripken Jr. – develops programs and ballparks for at-risk youth across the country.
The adaptive field will be the foundation’s first in Ohio, an ADA-compliant multi-purpose field for baseball, softball and soccer.
Chuck Brady, the foundation’s executive vice president, said in a phone interview Monday that the foundation has completed 21 adaptive fields across the United States.
“The design of these facilities requires a lot of thought,” he said.
What is an adaptive field?
The Green Field has the basic equipment of a baseball field, but takes into account the needs of children with limited mobility.
It will include larger shelters, an artificial turf surface and inlaid bases.
The field is slightly smaller than average and has a soccer field integrated into the outfield.
Who will use the adaptive field in green?
Michael Elkins, the city’s parks and planning manager, said the field will be home to Green’s Challenger baseball and softball program, which he hopes will boost participation in the program.
Teams from other regions also have access to the field.
“This will be a local and regional win,” said Valerie Wax Carr, Green’s director of public services.
How much does the Adaptive Field cost?
About $1 million.
The majority of this – $760,000 – comes from the state budget, with sponsorships and donations being sought for the rest.
Call Elkins at 330-896-6617 for donation or sponsorship information.
When will the adaptive field be built?
The groundbreaking ceremony is planned for September and completion is planned before the end of the year.
“It will be finished before winter sets in,” Brady said.
Where will it be located?
The field is located in Kleckner Park, at the southwest corner of the intersection of Greensburg Road and Thursby Road.
The site is north of Greensburg Cemetery.
“This will open the doors for more kids,” said Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin. “It will feel like a major league experience.”
Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.
