Miracle League Of Horsham Makes Pitch In Harrisburg

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Miracle League of Horsham recently hit the road to pitch plans for its field of dreams to legislators in Harrisburg.

Miracle League representatives visited with Sen. Maria Collett and State Reps. Nancy Guenst and Melissa Cerrato —who represent Hatboro and Horsham, respectively —to show finalized design plans for the highly-touted project that they hope will be as much of a jewel for the township and in the country.

William Slaymaker, president of the board of directors of the Miracle Field of Horsham, said the project was started two years ago and Collett and other local legislators "immediately expressed their strong support."

Since then, Slaymaker said the organization has received state funding and "significant donations" from local organizations such as the Horsham Rotary Club.

"Our team was excited to share our finalized design plans with Sen. Collett, Rep. Guenst, and Rep. Ceratto," Slaymaker said. "This is just another step toward building the finest field of its kind."

Horsham officials have said they're hoping the field can be the gem to upgrade township parks around, serving as the centerpiece for upgrades to Deep Meadow Park.

Through its affiliation with Horsham Little League, the Miracle Field of Horsham will provide opportunities for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities to play baseball and softball in a safe and inclusive environment where they will find comfort, friendship, and a sense of belonging.

Slaymaker said some features of the new Miracle Field of Horsham include:

• Three bathrooms.
• The largest field of its kind in the country (225' from home plate to center field).
• A valet lane allowing those who need to drop off children easy access to the field. This will help parents with children who use wheelchairs and walkers.
• 25 new handicapped parking spots including van-accessible parking.
• Shaded spectator seating area.
• A field large enough to accommodate not just baseball but other athletic activities, including veterans league softball, and other wheelchair sports.

"It takes a team effort to win the game and this field would not be possible without the all-star team that is making this miracle a reality," Horsham Councilman Sean Wade, a Miracle League board of director, said.

Wade said the meeting at the PA State Capitol with the legislators marked the completion of the project's design phase.

"We are excited to be preparing for site clearing and construction over the next year so the Miracle Field can join Horsham’s community of youth and adult sports leagues," Wade said. "We recognize the value of sports as a way for individuals to build not only physical and mental endurance but also community and friendships that last long after the game is over."

Wade and Miracle League Board Director Nancy Kirby thanked its partnerships with organizations like Harth Builders, MaGerks, and the Horsham Rotary Club, the local legislators, families, and the communities for "the support and enthusiasm that they have shared with us throughout."

"Every milestone of this organization has been memorable to me," Kirby said. "I was lucky enough to experience another milestone when we were able to present our final conceptual plans. Each of these milestones are building blocks in the history of an organization that will support the players, their families, and the community at large," Kirby said. "We are thrilled to begin the build phase of the project with groundbreaking to be scheduled in 2024. Looking forward to celebrating yet another milestone with everyone."

(Conceptual Plans Courtesy of the Miracle League of Horsham)