The Freeholder Board, special needs children and community volunteers will mark the opening of Boundless Field for physically and developmentally challenged kids in Camden County.
The opening of the park will be held Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m.
The special field allows children with disabilities to play baseball, and other organized sports, on a playing surface that can accommodate their special needs.
“Children in wheelchairs, kids who use walkers or kids who never would be able to round the bases on a regular baseball diamond will be afforded the opportunity to participate in an organized sporting event like their peers,” Freeholder Deputy Director Ed McDonnell said. “The field’s 13,000 square foot rubber playing surface allows for handicapped accessibility. In addition, it is covered with a playing surface that provides color, durability and safety.”
The opening day celebrations will feature a game by the Cherry Hill Challenger Baseball league. Children will also be treated to Face Painting, hot dogs and a visit from Finley, the Camden Riversharks’ Mascot.
Boundless Field is located at Camden County’s Challenge Grove Park, the award-winning fully accessible park at the corner of Borton’s Mill and Caldwell Roads in Cherry Hill. This treasure of the Camden County Park System is also home to Jake’s Place Playground for children with physical limitations.
Jake’s Place Playground is the region’s first boundless playground, which was designed to be enjoyed by everyone regardless of physical ability.
Jake’s Place was inspired by two-and a half-year-old Jacob Myles Cummings Nasto, who died from complications after his fourth open heart surgery. As part of his physical therapy, Jake visited playgrounds, but was often unable to use the apparatus. The playground is a place where kids of all abilities can play and interact together.
One out of every 10 children cannot play on a playground — even an American with Disabilities Act approved playground — because of physical limitations. Thousands of children with disabilities live in Camden County alone.
“This field offers new opportunities for these children and the Freeholder Board is proud to construct this project that will bring smiles to so many faces,” McDonnell said. “As elected officials our goal is to improve the quality of life in Camden County, and this extraordinary place will do just that for a special group of athletes.”
Boundless Field was constructed to accommodate handicap accessible baseball games and Special Olympics events.
The field’s baselines are 50 feet from one another and the distance from home plate to the fence at center field is 125 feet. At a typical game every player bats once an inning, players are not called out on the bases, every player scores a run each inning and both teams win the game. Players are given “buddies” to assist them during the game.
The “buddies” are often brothers, sisters and friends, as well as other adults and children who volunteer their time to help players participate in the game.
The surface can also be used to play accessible soccer, football, basketball and other athletic events.
