October 17 was a historic day for the Mobile community, as the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Miracle League of West Mobile: Schmidt Family Park took place. The field’s inaugural baseball game began immediately after the ceremony, featuring the West Mobile Buddy Ball League.

The park has not yet opened for the general public. MCPSS is in the process of hiring a park manager and will post hours of operation soon.

Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill opened Thursday’s ceremony. Remarks were given by Mobile County Board of School Commissioners Johnny Hatcher and Doug Harwell; Jim Harper, President of the Alabama Pecan Development; Donnie Brown of the Schmidt-Barton Family; and Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt.

As the first Miracle League site in Mobile County, the park includes a baseball field and playground constructed specifically for children and adults with special needs. The baseball field features a synthetic rubberized turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices while helping to prevent injuries. The field has double-wide lanes, allowing the players more space as they round the bases. The playground includes inclusive swings, slides, structures and fitness equipment, wheelchair ramps, and even a zip line.

In 2020, the Schmidt-Barton family generously donated $1 million for the park, located off West Johnson Road. On Thursday, the family donated another $1 million. Several community organizations have stepped up to the plate in making the park a reality. The Alabama Pecan Development Company, Inc., donated more than 24 acres to the project and South Alabama Utilities donated more than 4 acres. The Mobile County Commission paved the road leading into the park. And Mobile County Public Schools has overseen the construction, fundraising, financing, and marketing of the park.

The next goals are to add a regulation baseball field and softball field; eventually, MCPSS hopes to build a school on the site. To do that, we need your help. Donations are being accepted at mcpss.com/miracleleague.