First Park And Ball Field For Children With Special Needs Opens

The Partnership Park and the Miracle League Field opened on Saturday.   The ball field and 1.5 acre park and play space is located in the Smithfield Community Park at 600 East Booker Dairy Road.

In Johnston County, over 6,000 children have some sort of special need and until now, no place to play in Johnston County.

For the past several years, The Partnership for Children and The Miracle League engaged in a collaborative effort with Johnston County leaders and citizens to build a park and ball field for children of all abilities to enjoy together.

Efforts began with the premise that all children regardless of ability should have a safe space to play together.  The capital campaign raised more than $1.2 million for the park and ball field construction.

“We are thrilled by the investment of our community in this exciting, quality of life facility,” said Dwight Morris, Director of The Partnership for Children. “Play is critical to a child’s development and every child deserved the kind of experience that provides for all abilities. We deeply appreciate all our donors and the shared vision of a place for all.”

Following the ribbon cutting, there was the first official Miracle League ball game, face painting, balloons, food and fun in the park.  Photos courtesy Tim Kerigan / Town of Smithfield