Baseball may be America’s game but for the 4,000 youth with disabilities who live in the surrounding area, the sport previously was out of reach. Most recreational facilities are not accessible and those with disabilities had limited opportunities to participate in a sports league, causing them to miss out on the camaraderie and skill-building aspects of being in a team sport.
Enter the Miracle League of Dubuque – an organization centered on providing every child with a chance to play. In conjunction with the City of Dubuque, the Miracle League has provided facilities and continues to organize ongoing programming that allows children and adults of all abilities the chance to play baseball and enjoy an all-inclusive playground.
Located at Veteran’s Memorial Park (2790 Miracle League Drive, Dubuque), this complex features a completely flat, wheelchair-accessible playground and baseball field, accessible bleacher seating, a picnic area, and a support building. The building includes ADA restrooms, a concession stand, classrooms, a multi-purpose room, storage for the baseball equipment, and a quiet room with various therapeutic sensory equipment for body breaks and regulation between play. The park is open from 7 AM to 10 PM daily.
“For so many years, individuals had to sit on the sidelines and watch their friends play games that most kids do,” said Janna Beau, City of Dubuque Recreation Supervisor who coordinates the Miracle League programming. “Now their friends get to come and watch them on their turf, so this is their time to shine.”
The Miracle League sponsors eight baseball teams in the fall and spring (pausing in the summer when the heat adversely affects players). The leagues are open to children and adults with any physical or mental disabilities that cause them to be excluded, whether intentionally or not, from conventional baseball leagues.
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