Rockford Park District Celebrates Inaugural Season at Home Base Sports Fields in Loves Park
The Rockford Park District celebrated the grand opening of Home Base Sports Fields at Lindberg Park, 721 Pearl Avenue, Loves Park, while also marking the completion of Buddy Baseball and All Stars' inaugural season at the one-of-a-kind facility.
Construction began in July 2025 on a set of inclusive baseball fields designed to welcome players of all abilities. The $2.8 million facility was designed to give athletes of all abilities a place to play, connect, belong, and build connections through baseball and recreation.
Home Base Sports Fields features two baseball diamonds with accessible playing surfaces and dugouts, along with an updated parking lot, paved paths and a pavilion.
“Home Base Sports Fields are more than a place to play baseball. It is about creating an environment where athletes feel welcome, families feel connected, and everyone can be part of the team. Home Base Sports Fields represent what can happen when a community comes together and believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, compete, build relationships, challenge themselves, and be part of something bigger,” 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 more than $1 million from the Rockford Park District’s capital funds. The City of Loves Park also played an important role in bringing Home Base Sports Fields to the community. The $2.8 million investment reflects a shared belief that quality parks and recreation facilities contribute to quality of life and create opportunities for families throughout the region. Schmeling Construction Co. led the construction of these new adaptive fields and donated its time and talent. The Schmeling family has seen the impact of this program firsthand through their children, who volunteered with Buddy Baseball and other Buddy Sports programs through the Rockford Park District’s Therapeutic Recreation department.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMS
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. The All Stars Baseball program was developed in the summer of 2019 for adults of all abilities, ages 20 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 help create a fun, inclusive opportunity.
