Texas Park Adding All-Inclusive Miracle League Ballfield in Tyler

[UPDATED November 13, 2024]

(Tyler, Texas) - A new ballpark experience for those with special needs is now under construction at Faulkner Park in Tyler.

The City Of Tyler and the Miracle League of Tyler announced that construction has begun on the state-of-the-art ballpark.  The new ballpark will provide an accessible and welcoming environment so that children and adults of all disabilities can enjoy various sports.

Once completed by SCI Construction, the new facility will include an all-inclusive ballfield, accessible bleachers, a concession stand, and accessible restrooms.

The Miracle League Field is expected to be ready for the first games by the end of Summer 2025.

[ORIGINAL ARTICLE August 28, 2024]

The funding is there, now it just needs to be built. A new all-inclusive ballpark has been approved for the City of Tyler.

This is phenomenal news for parents of children with special needs athletes as well as adult special needs athletes. A new all-inclusive ballpark is going to be built in Tyler to serve a very special community.

The City Of Tyler announced a partnership with the Miracle League of Tyler for the construction of a state-of-the-art all-inclusive Miracle League ballfield at Faulkner Park.

This new project provides accessibility and a welcoming environment where children and adults of all abilities can enjoy outdoor sports.

What is a Miracle League Ballfield?

A Miracle League removes the barriers of a natural grass field by playing on a custom-designed, rubberized field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices while helping to prevent injuries in case of a fall. This is an example of Miracle League baseball in action in Longview:

The new complex will be constructed within Faulkner Park and will include:

• an all-inclusive ballfield
• accessible bleachers
• a concession stand
• accessible restrooms

Fundraising and matching fund goals have been met

Fundraising has been happening for quite some time on this much-needed facility. The Miracle League of Tyler reached and surpassed its goal of 1.1 million dollars to get the project started. With this commitment, the City Of Tyler added $500,000 from the city's Half-Cent Sales Tax fund. The total price of the new park will be $1,680,358.

Tyler Parks and Recreation director Leanne Robinette says,

The Miracle League Field at Faulkner Park is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community. We are deeply grateful to the Miracle League of Tyler for their generous contribution and ongoing commitment to this project. We look forward to seeing the smiles on the faces of those who will benefit from this inclusive and welcoming space."

According to the Miracle League of Tyler, there are more than 350 Miracle League fields across the country, and combined they serve over 450,000 children which brings much joy to their lives through athletics, competition, and friendship.

Currently, the closest Miracle League Field to Tyler is in Longview. Construction of the Tyler Miracle League Field at Faulkner Park is scheduled to begin this Fall and has an anticipated completion date of the end of Summer 2025. Upon completion of the new ballfield, the City Of Tyler's Parks and Recreation Department will become responsible for the maintenance of the facility.