Surface America Miracle League Field is a Dream Come True
Gardendale’s Field Dedication Scheduled April 25
Just in time for spring ball, Surface America, the leader in the playground and recreational surfacing industry, announces the completion of the Gardendale Miracle League Field in Gardendale, Alabama.
The new 15,900 sq. ft. baseball field is ideally suited for athletes with special needs who compete as part of The Miracle League, a national organization committed to providing opportunities for all children to play baseball regardless of physical ability. The field is one of a number of fields Surface America will build this year as the exclusive provider for all poured athletic surfaces installed at Miracle League facilities across the U.S.
Built with Surface America’s resilient, seamless EverTop™ surface – for both the infield and outfield – Pate Field now provides a combination of exceptional footing and smoothness, eliminating barriers and dangers for children using walking aides or for those with visual impairments. EverTop’s porous design also prevents puddles from forming on the surface. The system conforms to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and ASTM F-1951-99 Determination of Playground Surface Accessibility.
Because EverTop is mixed and poured on site with colors permanently inlaid, the Gardendale Miracle League field is designed to look natural. Using recycled post-industrial EPDM rubber, Surface America applies white rubber to create field markings like foul lines, bases and the batter’s box; brown, beige or terracotta is used to simulate dirt and green for the grass areas. A specialized urethane binder is then applied to keep colors true and reduce maintenance over the life of the field. The Miracle League field is also latex-free creating a safe environment for all athletes.
“This is one of those projects that goes beyond business to tug at your heart,” says Jim Dobmeier, President & Founder of Surface America. “While we are honored to have earned the trust of The Miracle League, watching these athletes play is the true reward. It really is a feeling like no other.”
“Having a project like this is different. You can see the impact in the attitude of the employees and in the public perception. Everyone is very positive; we couldn’t be happier,” says Stan Hogeland, Director of Parks and Recreation Department. Hogeland credits Jeff Dennis, a local businessman, for spearheading the project.
Founded in 1993, Surface America is known as North America’s leading playground and recreational surfacing company – installing more than fifteen million square feet of recycled rubber surfacing on thousands of playground and recreation areas from coast-to-coast. In addition, Surface America provides surfacing systems for trails & pathways, gymnasiums, fitness facilities and athletic fields marketed under the A-Turf (a sister company) brand.
About The Miracle League:
Founded in 1999, The Miracle League’s mission is to provide opportunities for all children, regardless of ability, to play baseball. What began with 35 players on four teams has grown to 220 Miracle League organizations throughout the country, including Puerto Rico, serving 90,000 children and young adults with disabilities. For more information visit www.miracleleague.com.
