They did build it and they did come.
The “Field of Ability” at Belleville’s Parkdale Veterans Park off Sidney Street has just completed its first full season as the home of Challenger Baseball.
(Raechel McIntyre gets ready for her turn at bat in “Challenger Baseball.) Photo: Jack Miller)
The park offers a place where people, mostly young people, with physical and cognitive disabilities can participate.
For years Challenger Baseball operated at Loyalist College, however, the playing surface with dirt basepaths and grass made it difficult to maneuver in wheelchairs and walkers.
The new facility, which was the dream of longtime Challenger Baseball coordinator, Lisa Chesher, has a fully rubberized field.
Chesher says the impact as been immediate.
(Freddy Parker with dad Thor swinging for the fences at the “Field of Ability”)
While the “Field of Ability” has been in operation for more than a year, the COVID pandemic delayed plans for a proper grand opening. That will happen on Saturday September 10 at 1 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend.