Hellwig Memorial Park officially opened

Players and parents in the Miracle League saw a dream come true this summer when authorities and dignitaries held the grand-opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting for a universal field at Hellwig Memorial Park.

The Miracle League is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball.
The universal field was developed for players of all abilities to access all areas, including the dugouts. The rubber-turf field has the dimensions of a regular youth baseball field.

Kassie Stevenson, at right, of the DTQ league shows off her trophy at the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the universal field at Hellwig Memorial Park.

Jay Ellington, director of Prince William County Park Authority, led the ceremonies and introductions for the field, but also for the fully accessible playground area that was renovated at the park.

Wally Covington, supervisor for the Brentsville District, quoted Walt Disney in his speech, “Too many people grow up. That’s the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up.” He said he hopes people at the field remember what it was like to be young and simply have fun.

Richard Tami, director of Field of Dreams Inc. and a local dentist, came up with the idea of the field six years ago. He acquired support from several organizations including the Hylton Group, Chuck Leopold and family and L. Scott Lingamfelter, delegate for the 31st District of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Watch for an upcoming issue of the Observer papers to read the full story.