Submitted by the City of Ankeny
Nearly 80 people attended the official public launch event of the Miracle Field-All Inclusive Playground Project, two special needs facilities that will be constructed on the northeast side of Hawkeye Park.
Thursday night celebrated the silent launch effort which generated nearly $320,000, including a title sponsorship of $200,000 from Karl Chevrolet, said a city news release.
Ankeny Mayor Steve Van Oort urged everyone to contribute toward this unique project.
“Providing these facilities will continue Ankeny’s momentum of constructing the best and most well used parks and recreational amenities in Iowa,” he said.
About 800 Ankeny youths and more than 3,500 in the metro have some type of special need and many of these young people are unable to participate in a sports league or play on a playground, the release said.
This project includes a co-located Miracle Field and All-Inclusive Playground. The ball field is rubberized with no obstructions, allowing kids with mobility devices or other assistive equipment to play in an organized sports league. The playground is ramped for wheelchair access and also is completely rubberized.
The total project cost is estimated at $1 million to $1.2 million.
