Rockford Park District project will give baseball players of all abilities a new home field in Loves Park
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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LOVES PARK — A program that has helped people with disabilities join in on America’s pastime will now get its own home field.
The Rockford Park District broke ground on Tuesday on the first phase of a project to transform Darryl F. Lindberg Park, 721 Pearl Ave., into a state-of-the-art adaptive baseball facility for Buddy Baseball and All Stars Baseball. The district calls it Project Home Base.
Both programs pair players who have a disability-related need with buddies who assist in the action. Buddy Baseball, which was founded in 2009, is for ages 5-22 while All Stars Baseball is for athletes 20 and older to play in a recreational league.
“Our goal is to create an equal opportunity to play, an equal opportunity to be part of a team, and an equal opportunity to learn a new and lifelong leisure skill, whether it be baseball, basketball, flag football or a walking club,” said Kuenzi Dearth, the Park District’s therapeutic recreation manager. “These fields aren’t just about baseball, they’re about belonging, confidence and inclusion.”
The nearly $2.25 million development is funded by a $1 million anonymous donation, $500,000 in state funding secured by state Sen. Dave Syverson and $700,000 from the Park District’s capital funds.
The first phase involves creating two baseball diamonds with smooth terrain throughout, including an aglime infield, and flat bases. There will also be two accessible dugouts per diamond with benches that fold down from the wall to create easy access. The benches also incorporate spaces for athletes who use wheelchairs.
The project will be led by Schmeling Construction Co., a 122-year-old family-owned Rockford business. Peter Schmeling said the work had a personal connection because he and his sister had both been buddies in the program years ago.
“This stadium isn’t just about sports, it’s about creating a sense of belonging,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that everyone who steps foot on this stadium regardless of their abilities has a place where they can feel celebrated.”
There will also be updated backstops with an overhang to provide shade for scorekeeping, as well as additional fencing around the field. Paved paths will lead directly to the baseball diamonds.
A new multiuse field, which rests on part of the outfield of the eastern diamond, will be available for flag football, soccer, floor hockey and other uses. A pavilion on the south end of the park will include picnic tables, outlets, drinking fountains and restrooms.
An improved parking area along Locust Street will have 47 spaces, 10 accessible stalls, bus parking, solar-powered lights and a dedicated drop-off area.
In addition to the sports uses, a playground will be updated to include a flat and smooth terrain with Sofsurface tiles, an accessible swing and a communications board that aids with nonverbal communication.
The work is expected to be complete in time for Buddy Baseball and All Star Baseball next year.
“We’re very excited to, No. 1, have a facility like this that has nothing else to compare within miles,” Mayor Greg Jury said.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
