Playground Makes Miracles In Northampton Township With Dedication

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —They gathered for the children, dedicating a playground that had been expanded and improved with the message that this was a place "where everyone can play."

The Miracle League of Northampton Township recently held a grand re-opening of the Miracle League Playground at the Northampton Township Municipal Park on Hatboro Road in Churchville.

"The grand re-opening was nicely attended," said Mary Camp, an executive board member and volunteer coordinator who has been with the organization since 2011.

Miracle League members worked with township officials in a multi-year effort to make improvements to the park. Camp said taking a lead on the project was Nancy Opalka, the township's parks & recreation director, Miracle League Board President Bob House, Allan Corless and Neshaminy Constructors.

"We want to thank everyone in the community for all of their support in helping us to make our wonderful vision for our playground a reality," organizers said in a press release.

The Sept. 18th ceremony was attended by community members, Miracle League families, township officials, police, fire and EMT members and area politicians. Girl Scout Troop 2934 provided snacks.

The Miracle League of Northampton Township is a non-profit organization supporting over 250 individuals with disabilities across Bucks County and neighboring communities through their baseball, basketball, soccer and bowling programs.

The group's mission is to provide education and social development through high-quality facilities and programs for individuals with special needs and their families.

For all children, regardless of ability, a playground provides a safe place to explore the four defined areas of developmental skills: sensory, motor, cognitive and social/emotional, Camp said.

"By creating an all-inclusive playground that includes equipment designed for the needs of children with disabilities, we are providing a variety of developmental options for all our kids to choose from," Camp said.

The Miracle League baseball and all-purpose fields opened in 2012.

Plans for the Miracle League Playground started a few years ago as a joint project between the township and the Miracle League, Camp said.

"We raised money through fundraisers held over the past few years, accompanied with state grants and monetary donations from individual and company sponsors for specific playground equipment," Camp said.

Camp said a Community Build was held in late April to save money, with volunteers working on the playground under the direction of Landscape Structures and Neshaminy Constructors to put together playground pieces.