Darryl F. Lindberg Park
721 Pearl Ave.
Loves Park, IL 61111

 

Construction Officially Underway on New Inclusive Baseball Fields for Players of All Abilities in Loves Park

LOVES PARK, IL – Breaking ground, breaking barriers. All Stars Baseball and Buddy Baseball programs run by the Rockford Park District are one step closer to having a home base at Darryl F. Lindberg Park, 721 Pearl Ave., Loves Park.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to officially begin construction on a set of inclusive baseball fields designed to welcome players of all abilities. This project represents a significant step forward in creating accessible, adaptable, and equitable recreational spaces for children and adults with disabilities throughout the region.

“Our goal is to create an equal opportunity to play, an equal opportunity to be part of a team, and an equal opportunity to learn a new and lifelong leisure skill, whether it be baseball, basketball, flag football, or a walking club. These fields aren’t just about baseball; they’re about belonging, confidence, and inclusion. We are so excited for participants in Buddy Baseball and All Stars Baseball programs to have a one-of-a-kind place to play,” said Kuenzi Dearth, Therapeutic Recreation Manager.

The project was made possible thanks to a $1 million anonymous donation, a $500,000 grant from the State of Illinois secured by Senator Dave Syverson, and $700,000 from the Rockford Park District’s capital funds. Schmeling Construction Co. will lead the construction of these new adaptive fields and is donating its time and talent. Construction of a permanent location for the Buddy Baseball and All Stars Baseball programs will be completed in multiple phases. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in 2026 and will total approximately $2,245,800.

Since 2009, Buddy Baseball has provided hundreds of youth and teens with the opportunity to chase grounders, round the bases, and experience being part of a team. Buddy Baseball is a non-competitive, recreational league for individuals of all abilities ages five to 22-years-old and is run by the Rockford Park District’s Therapeutic Recreation department. Each player with a disability-related need is paired with a “buddy” to assist them during the game. The program focuses on team play, exposure to a lifelong leisure skill, and participation in one of America's favorite pastimes. All Stars Baseball program was developed in the summer of 2019 for adults of all abilities ages 20-years-old and up to continue the experience of playing in a recreational sport league. Each player with a disability-related need is placed on a team with buddies who assist in creating a fun and inclusive opportunity.

Phase 1 Includes:

  • Two baseball diamonds with smooth terrain throughout and flat bases

  • Two accessible dugouts per diamond; benches within dugouts will incorporate spaces for athletes who use wheelchairs or chairs that fold down from the wall to create easy access

  • Pavilion on the south end of the park with family and/or gender-neutral bathrooms attached to pavilion so parent(s)/guardian(s) can easily assist with personal care. Also included will be picnic tables, outlets, and a drinking fountain.

  • Electrical source/service near baseball diamonds and multipurpose field

  • Parking area with 47 spaces, 10 ADA stalls, bus parking, a dedicated drop-off area and solar powered lights

  • Backstop updated, addition of fencing around field, and a portable fence for the eastern field

  • Overhang on back side of backstops to provide shade and a designated area for announcers

  • Creation of multiuse use field (floor hockey, soccer, flag football)

  • Accessible drinking fountains with dog bowl at the bottom for service animals

  • Paved paths directly to baseball diamonds

  • Visuals, schedule, and communication boards incorporated for each field and each dugout for athlete support

  • Playground updated to include a flat and smooth terrain (Sofsurface tiles), an accessible swing, and a communication board