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Our Dream

Building the Playmakers Village,
an Adaptive Sports and Recreation Park

Playmakers Village.webp

After the success of our adaptive baseball program, we realized that we had outgrown the fields that were available to us. These spaces were not designed to accommodate children with mobility impairments or other special needs. That’s when we started dreaming bigger—not just of a field, but of a place where families with special needs children could gather, play, and feel a sense of belonging.

 

As we dove into research, we uncovered a startling reality: there were no recreational parks specifically designed for individuals with disabilities anywhere in Southern California. In Long Beach alone, there are ten dog parks, but not a single public space tailored to serve children with disabilities. With over 20,000 children in Long Beach potentially benefitting from such a facility, the need was obvious. It became clear that we had to step up, not only for our community but as a model for other communities to follow.

 

Our vision is ambitious, but the time to act is now. We want to create a space that goes far beyond just a baseball field. Our dream includes:

  • A fully accessible baseball field with ADA-compliant dugouts, a rubberized surface for mobility aids, and a secure, fenced area to ensure safety.

  • A multi-purpose facility with a gym for sports, dances, and community events; flex space for meetings, art, and music classes; and a commercial kitchen to provide vocational training for teens.

  • An adaptive playground with equipment tailored to different ability levels, designed to foster strength, agility, and play for all.

  • A water splash pad, snack shacks, restrooms, and shaded picnic areas, creating a full recreational experience for families to enjoy together.

 

This is more than a park; it’s a space where children with disabilities can thrive, families can connect, and our community can grow stronger. We know this dream is bold, but if we don’t build it, who will?

 

Our first step is securing land—about four acres—to house all these features in one place. With support from fundraising events, grants, and community partners, we are confident we can bring this vision to life. We also plan to offer our space to Special Olympics and Disabled Veteran groups, ensuring it serves a wide range of needs.

 

We believe in the power of community, and with your help, we can make this dream a reality. Thank you for sharing our vision and joining us on this journey to create a place where everyone can play, grow, and thrive.

Support Playmakers Today!

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