CULLMAN, Ala. – The Field of Miracles at Chester Freeman Park, which broke ground in 2006 before the first game being played in 2007, will celebrate in a big way next week as former and current players will come together to help celebrate the 15 Year Anniversary of the park’s grand opening.
Kelly Pulliam, Therapeutic Recreation director, said the ballpark is inclusive which serves Cullman County and the surrounding areas allowing individuals with physical challenges direct access to a facility where they can play the game of baseball.
For those not familiar, Chester Freeman Park is a multi-field ballpark adjacent to the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center that hosts three standard baseball fields as well as the Field of Miracles. The park and the Field of Miracles was built with the ideals of full accessibility and inclusiveness in mind – for Cullman County residents and beyond.
“The Field of Miracles was constructed for children and adults who have special physical needs and require a space that eliminates the terrain issues of a typical baseball field,” Pulliam said. “With a rubberized surface and large, shaded dugouts that are level to the field, The Field of Miracles is completely wheelchair accessible and offers the amenities needed across multiple skill levels and challenges.”
According to Cullman Parks Recreation and Sports Tourism Director Nathan Anderson, the City of Cullman wanted to meet the needs of all community members and those in the surrounding areas—no matter their skill or accessibility—allowing everyone to “get out and live” in Cullman.
“Looking at our community and seeing the inclusiveness that we have to offer here with our Therapeutic Recreation programs and our Miracle League is so unique and valuable to Cullman County,” Anderson said. “We believe wholeheartedly in giving everyone a chance to ‘get out and live’ in this community and it makes me very proud to know that we are at the forefront of these efforts for our residents, and it would not have been possible without Cullman coming together to make this happen.”
The fundraising efforts for The Field of Miracles at Chester Freeman Park began in the years just prior to the park’s opening season in 2007. Anderson said the community coming together and raising $750,000.00 for this dream project was a wonderful act of kindness.
He continued by stating because of the generous hearts of Cullman, its residents, and industry leaders, the parks department was able to open and play their first game at The Field of Miracles on April 23, 2007.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said he was glad to be a part of the group which helped bring the ideas of the park to life. An unbreakable bond with his daughter helped solidify the movement to have an inclusive park.
“I am proud to have been a part of the initial thought process and creation of the Field of Miracles right here in Cullman. Seeing it go from a small dream to a reality has been a personal journey that I have enjoyed,” Mayor Jacob said. “Having my daughter Hannah, who has had the privilege to play on the field since the beginning and continues to play today, as well as myself having the opportunity to coach and assist throughout the field’s legacy, has been wonderful.”
Leah Waldrop, Director of Marketing and PR, explained the 15 year anniversary celebration will kick-off the fundraising efforts of the Foundation Board with the direct need being the resurfacing of the Field of Miracles’ rubber surface.
“We are proud to note that our Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism team has been able to increase the field’s initial lifespan by five years and we will most likely see the surface having a total longevity of 7 years past its estimated lifespan,” Waldrop said. “While not an immediate need, we are working proactively now to ensure that funds are being raised for this specific project when the time comes.”
Chick-Fil-A of Cullman will be on site for the celebration throughout the week complete with sweet treats and goodie bags, and the CFA Cow will be in attendance Monday night. Pulliam said Chick-Fil-A will also be providing Buddies for the Miracle League players Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
“Free popcorn and balloons will be given out each of three celebration nights with Chick-Fil-A sweet treats and goodie bags provided each of the nights as well,” she said. “It’s going to be an extremely special week for not only Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism, but for all our Miracle League players and their families as well.”
As far as accolades, Anderson said just seeing those in the Therapeutic Recreation program take to the field is a major accomplishment for all.
“Our largest accomplishment happens every time our Miracle League players step foot on the Field of Miracles. Giving them a space that is built specifically for their needs and for that community will always be our biggest and best accomplishment,” he said.
Aside from the normal schedule of games, the Miracle League World Series was held soon after the Field of Miracles opened in 2007. Anderson said this event allowed many individuals outside of the direct community to learn more about the offerings at the park, which included how accessible to the park was to so many.
President of the Parks Foundation Board Trent Lowry said, “What a tremendous milestone that our community is celebrating 15 years of the Field of Miracles! It is inspiring to think of the hundreds of people who have been given the opportunity to play ball there over the years. I encourage the entire community to attend a part of the celebrations this week.”
The anniversary of the Field of Miracles will take place the week of April 18, 2022 with Miracle League games and celebrations taking place on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Youth and adult games will be played across each of the three nights.
For those interested in enrolling a relative into the Therapeutic Recreation Program, Pulliam said there are not any specific qualifications to join other than that to register. Individuals can sign-up for different sports and teams as well as take part in all that our Therapeutic Recreation program has to offer by emailing Kelly Pulliam, the Therapeutic Recreation director, at kpulliam@cullmanrecreation.org.
For those interested in volunteering for Miracle League or any of the programs will need to contact Pulliam. She stated that Therapeutic Recreation has several volunteer opportunities available including baseball and basketball “Buddies,” event set-up and breakdown throughout the year and day-to-day tasks.
Another way a resident can make an impact is by attending the games, which are free. Pulliam said community members can also make a tremendous impact with the program by simply attending one of our Miracle League games. Being a fan of the league and its players is one of the biggest ways to help with the program and drive its success—on and off the field.
Volunteers can also sign-up by emailing Kelly Pulliam at kpulliam@cullmanrecreation.org.
“I love the Field of Miracles and all that our Therapeutic Recreation Program and Miracle League stands for…it truly puts life into perspective,” she said. “My advice to anyone in our community is that if you are having a hard day, go to a Miracle League game. It will put a smile on your face, and you will feel the excitement and pride that exudes from that ballfield!”
Leadership that served during the initial planning and opening of Chester Freeman Park and the Field of Miracles:
- Current City of Cullman Mayor, Woody Jacobs – former president of the City Council
- Donald Green, former City of Cullman mayor
- Don Hubbard, former chairman of Park Board
- Chester Freeman – former member of the Field of Miracles Committee
- Robin Cummings – former chairman of the Field of Miracles Committee
- Raymond Williams – former chairman of the Parks Foundation Board
John Hunt – former director of Cullman City Parks and Recreation
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