Permanent Home Base Announced for Buddy Baseball and All Stars Baseball Programs in Loves Park
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 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.
All Stars and Buddy Baseball are unique programs that provide a one-of-a-kind experience for athletes and volunteers that is unlike anything else in the area. These two programs have been utilizing various fields throughout the community playing at Flodin Boys and Girls Club primarily but have always dreamed of a home base. With the continuous growth of these programs and accessibility modifications that need to be made at every location utilized, it was time to establish a permanent place to play. The Rockford Park District announced that Darryl F. Lindberg Park, 721 Pearl Avenue, Loves Park will be renovated to become the new and fully accessible home for these two programs.
“Renovating Darryl Lindberg Park will provide athletes with a location where they can swing for the fences and round the bases in a diamond that is adapted for their success. We want to provide these athletes and families with a home that fuels belonging and a sense of community,” said Kuenzi Dearth, Therapeutic Recreation Manager.
Construction on a new and permanent location for Buddy Baseball and All Stars Baseball programs will be done in multiple phases. Phase 1 should be completed in 2026 and totals roughly $2,245,800. Illinois Senator Dave Syverson has already secured $500,000 from the State of Illinois to go towards the project and the Rockford Park District Foundation will work to secure additional funds.
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