JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Crews will begin work Friday on an all-inclusive, ADA-compliant T-ball field in Jacksonville, a project four years in the making.
The field will feature a rubberized surface and more sidewalks. Dugouts will be compliant, and the surface will be free of obstructions for players with mobility challenges, said Susan Baptist, director of Recreation Services for the City of Jacksonville.
“So, the surface is rubberized and completely smooth. More sidewalks, dugouts that are completely compliant, as well as the surface, so that if there are any mobility challenges, there won’t be any obstructions,” Baptist said.
Wendy Weathering said her son, Juwan, is part of Jacksonville’s Promise Program for people with special needs. She said she is excited to get him involved in another activity.
“We are very excited about this new field. We stay busy, and that gives us one more thing to add to our activity calendar,” Weathering said.
The field will be called Inspiration Field. Though the dimensions will be similar to other T-ball fields at the park, new features will make it easier to navigate.
“This is going to be completely smooth and allows for wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, whatever the case might be for people to fully access it,” Baptist said.
The project will cost $1.2 million. A grant from Parks and Recreation will cover $500,000, and the city will pay for the rest.
The project is expected to take about six months, with a completion date planned for the end of this year.
Baptist said while the design is for T-ball, it will also bring opportunities for other sports or events on the new field.
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