MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Parks broke ground Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, on a new all-inclusive baseball field at Tobey Park, a project meant to give children and adults with disabilities greater opportunities to take part in sports.
Dozens of people turned out in support of the planned field. The Memphis Parks director said the field will be built for kids and adults facing disability challenges, and the Miracle League of Memphis mascot joined families at the ceremony.
Phase one of the project started with the groundbreaking. Memphis Parks hopes a second phase will follow soon, but leaders said more fundraising is needed first. That next phase would add an all-inclusive park where kids can play during and after games.
To raise money, two fundraising events called Ball Cards and Bruises are scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Grind City Brewing Company. Proceeds will go toward bigger, better fields.
Families at the groundbreaking thanked the city and said the field gives adults with special needs the chance to play like anyone else. The city recreation department, Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods, lists city park events on its calendar at memphisparks.com/events, where residents can follow upcoming programs at Tobey Park and other city parks across Memphis.
The field at Tobey Park is the first piece of a larger all-inclusive complex. Phase one is underway now, and the timing of the second phase, including the play area for kids, will depend on how much the Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 fundraisers and other donations bring in.
