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What is a barrier-free sports complex?
- It's a complex that can be used by everyone, but is designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. For example, dirt and grass ball fields can interfere with crutches, walkers, braces and wheelchairs. The pitcher's mound and bases also can be a problem. Our wheelchair softball field will be a smooth surface, and our Miracle league baseball field will be a rubber-coated surface. Both will have painted bases, wide access gates and accessible dugouts. The playground will feature ramps between activities and a soft playing surface along with a zero-entry water park, all to maximize accessibility and minimize injury.
Doesn't Omaha already have sports facilities for people with disabilities?
- No. Omaha's wheelchair athletes participate in sports wherever they can. Wheelchair softball players play in parking lots. Children with disabilities end up on the sidelines - or fight dirt, mud, grass and other obstacles to play.
Do other cities have complexes like this one?
- Yes. Cities all over the country - Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Pensacola, Fla., San Diego, Southfield, Mich., and West Chester, Pa. - are already meeting the needs of people with disabilities in their communities. There are 200 active Miracle leagues in the United States, 80 completed fields and 100 in either planning or under construction serving over 80,000 children and adults with disabilities.
Where will the complex be located?
- In Seymour Smith Park, just east of 72nd Street on Harrison, on land donated by the City of Omaha.
How much will it cost?
- Our estimate is approximately $1,402,500 for the construction of the complex. Our goal is $2 million.
Who will own and maintain the complex?
- After the complex is built, it will be owned by the City of Omaha and maintained and operated by the ALLPLAY Foundation under an operating agreement with the city.
Who can use the complex?
- It will be designed for people with disabilities, but open to everyone. The playground, for example, will be a place where all children could play together. Because of this complex's unique offerings and programs, we expect people to travel from all around Nebraska and Iowa to use it.
What is the Miracle league?
- The Miracle league was founded in Atlanta in 1998. Its goal is to give children with disabilities a complete baseball experience. Every Miracle league player gets to bat once every inning, all base runners are safe, every batter scores, and every team wins every game. Miracle league teams play on Miracle Fields - barrier-free fields designed to prevent injuries. you can learn more at http://www.miracleleague.com
Who is behind the ALLPLAY Foundation?
- Omaha's first barrier-free sports complex is a collaborative effort between the City of Omaha, organizations sponsoring sports for the disabled and local businesses. The fundraising is being led by a non-profit organization, ALLPLAY Foundation. Major donors to date include the William and Ruth Scott Fondation, the Peter Kiewit Foundation, and the Sherwood Foundation.
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