PLAY Miracle League field will be ready for players later this fall. (Photo by Maggie Stanwood)
Sports can bring people together, but in conventional leagues, there are often participation barriers for people with physical or cognitive disabilities.
The Miracle League, a national nonprofit which gives children and adults the opportunity to play baseball in a safe, inclusive environment, aims to address those barriers and create a space for everyone to belong.
“Focused on fun rather than competition, the league fosters community, confidence, and belonging,” said Drew Koenig, the director for the Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (PLAY) Miracle League.
The first Miracle League field opened in Georgia in 2000, according to the organization’s website. Since then, more than 350 fields have opened throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Games are played on specially designed rubberized fields which can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices, and each player is paired with a volunteer buddy for support.
And this fall, Prior Lake will get its own field.
“By creating this space in Prior Lake, we are opening the doors for hundreds of families across neighboring communities to participate in a league that celebrates ability, inclusion, and connection,” Koenig said. “It provides a safe, welcoming place where individuals with special needs can play, grow, and build friendships, while also giving families a much-needed support network.”
While conventional leagues focus on competition and independent play, Miracle League games are non-competitive and supportive, Koenig said.
“Every player bats, scores, and is cheered on, with no outs or strikeouts,” he said. “The result is a joyful, community-centered experience that celebrates ability, encourages connection, and ensures that every player gets their moment to shine.”
PLAY Miracle League Vice President Jessica Mason’s daughter Morgan played in the Lakeville Miracle League program.
“The Lakeville program has been great for my daughter,” Mason said. “She loves it and as a spectator, you can’t help but smile while watching the joy of these children playing baseball.”
Koenig partnered with PLAY, then approached the city of Prior Lake with a proposal for a privately-driven initiative to transform part of Thomas Ryan Memorial Park into a Miracle League field.
“Once the green light was given by the city, the project started from the ground up,” Koenig said. “What began as an idea quickly grew into a community-driven movement fueled by purpose, persistence, and a shared commitment to inclusion.”
Through local donations, sponsorships, and community support, the Prior Lake Miracle League project has raised more than $500,000.
“Beyond fundraising, the effort has involved finding and coordinating with local construction crews, architects, and suppliers who believe in the vision,” Koenig said. “It has meant countless hours of planning, scheduling, promoting, and raising awareness about the need for adaptive recreational spaces.”
Koenig proposed bringing a Miracle League field to Prior Lake in August 2022 after navigating life as a parent to a daughter with special needs and seeing how few opportunities existed for children like his.
Mason said she also has noticed that athletic and activity opportunities for children with disabilities are limited in the area and where they do exist, there are barriers to entry for families such as distance and cost.
“It is such a great opportunity to offer this adaptive athletic option in our community for our children with disabilities and allows them to play with their peers and form friendships locally with buddies,” Mason said.
Families in the area are excited for the league to be ready. Prior Lake resident Vanessa Schmidt’s daughter Anikah also played in another Miracle League. Schmidt said her family has a love of baseball, so Anikah wanted the opportunity to play as well.
“It’s great for the community to see the kids ‘in action’ and see all their abilities and not just their disabilities,” Schmidt said. “They deserve a chance to have these kinds of activities and opportunities just like every other kid.”
A Miracle League in Prior Lake will make it easier for friends and family to come watch the games, and for the kids to make new friends, Schmidt said.
Prior Lake resident Brooke Halvorson said her 9-year-old son Noah will be participating in the league this fall.
“My son loves baseball and football so this was a great way to be involved in something he loves,” Halvorson said. “The Miracle League is showing others how everyone has different abilities, and helping the children be involved.”
Full construction is currently underway, and the field is expected to be game-ready after Labor Day. What remains is securing donations for bleachers, player lockers, equipment, signage, and other essential features to turn the field into a full experience, Koenig said.
“These final pieces are what will elevate the project from functional to truly special — a place that not only accommodates, but celebrates every player and family who steps onto it,” Koenig said.
Anyone interested in volunteering, donating, sponsoring, or spreading the word can email miracleleague@playinfo.org, visit the PLAY Miracle League website, or follow the league’s Facebook page.
“We welcome anyone with a heart to help — no matter your skills or schedule, we’ll find the right fit for you,” Koenig said. “Together, we can make this a true place of miracles.”