Local Family Donates $25,500 to Ankeny Miracle Park Project

A local family has announced it plans to donate $25,500 to Ankeny Miracle Park project.

The Downing family, which consists of Jeff of Waukee; Sam, Sydney and Jack, all of Ankeny; and Jeffrey of Surprise, Ariz., made the announcement Wednesday via a media release from the city of Ankeny.

”My son, Jack Downing, has played in the Miracle League since it was first formed," Steven said in the release. "We have always enjoyed going to watch him and the other kids play on the downtown field.

Jack is a sixth grader in Ankeny, and Steven said he is looking forward to the field and playground being closer to home.

The Ankeny Miracle Park project consists of a rubberized ball field and playground co-located together in Hawkeye Park aimed for children with disabilities to enjoy participating in an organized baseball league and play on a playground that is accessible to their needs.

The Project is being led by the Ankeny Kiwanis Club and City of Ankeny. The project fundraising goal is $1.2 million. With the Downing family's contribution, the group has raised $1,040,000.

For more information on the project visit the website at www.ankenymiracleleague.com or contact Ryan Penning at 515-963-3574.