It was sunshine and blue skies on a joyful Saturday as the Field of Ability at Parkdale Veterans Park in Belleville was officially opened.
The specially made rubberized field allows physically challenged kids and those with special needs to play baseball.
It was ready to go two years ago but the grand opening was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The well over $1 million field features a covered picnic shelter, covered dugouts, bleachers, an announcer’s booth, a large
electronic scoreboard, and other amenities.
Construction of the Field of Ability was handled by local firm TaskForce Engineering.
Challenger Baseball athletes parade on to the Field of Ability. (Photo: Quinte News)
A crowd of over 200 watched the official ceremony as Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk congratulated the project organizers, especially Lisa Newman-Chesher. Newman-Chesher also received praise from Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith who simply said “God Bless Lisa Newman-Chesher.”
Panciuk also recognized the previous city council under then Mayor Taso Christopher for approving the project and getting it rolling.
He paid special tribute to then Councillor Jack Miller for being a strong advocate and spokesman for the field. Miller could not attend the grand opening as he was Master of Ceremonies for the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk, at podium, from left to right: Councillors Carol Feeney, Sean Kelly, and Bill Sandison. (Photo: Quinte News)
The mayor said the Quinte region community really got behind the project.
“Today is a proud day for all of us. It’s a day where we can provide the ability for everyone to participate in sports. It’s a day when we can look forward to using this incredible facility for many, many years to come.”
Lisa Newman-Chesher drew cheers twice during her passionate address to the crowd.
“This field is more than just a ball diamond. It’s the one place where kids and adults with special needs can get together, have fun and just be kids!!! Challenger Baseball (the league the players are in) brings joy to everyone involved. It’s magical!”
“There are no disabilities here, there are no barriers here, there is no bullying here, there is no seclusion and no one is left out. It is a safe fun-loving, joyful place and it brings so many of us together for the better.”
Field of Ability’s inspirational leader Lisa Newman-Chesher makes introductions at the grand opening. (Photo: Quinte News)
Well over 100 kids play in the local Challenger Baseball League, a significant increase from when it began, playing on a
regular field at Loyalist College.
Major donations to make the Field of Ability a reality came from Kraft Heinz Project Play, the Jays Care Foundation, the cities of Belleville and Quinte West, Hastings County, several contractors, and the general public.
Bay of Quinte MPP and Minister of Energy Todd Smith motions that it’s time to PLAY BALL!!
A Challenger Baseball game followed the ceremony.
