With unanimous backing from the Cloquet City Council and the Cloquet Parks Commission, the Twin Ports Miracle League (TPML) will find a home field as early as next summer at Braun Park in Cloquet.
"I was at the [Parks Commission] meeting and saw the presentation and this is a win-win for the city," Councilor Neil Nemmers said at Tuesday's city council meeting. "Everyone is receptive to the project."
The league provides opportunities for people between ages 5-40 with disabilities to play baseball and currently has a roster of 45 adults and children from Cloquet, Esko, Wrenshall, Proctor, Duluth and Two Harbors. TPML is a branch of the Miracle League of Minnesota, sponsored by the Minnesota Twins and the Harmon Killebrew Foundation.
"What the Miracle League does is bring people with disabilities together," said Tim Lamminen, Cloquet resident and TPML regional director. "It gives them an opportunity to socialize, feel accepted, feel like they belong and that they are part of a team."
The league has been using fields around Duluth and Superior for several seasons, but is raising funds to construct a playing field designed specifically to meet the special needs of these individuals.
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Lamminen said in a previous interview that while the fields they currently use are OK for T-ball or Little League, they are too rough for wheelchairs and children with disabilities.
The group has been looking for their own field for years, originally working with the city of Duluth to receive a field through the proposed Kroc Center. When the center proposal fell through, so did the land they were to receive. At Tuesday's city council meeting, Lamminen alluded that the league has had a tough time finding land in Duluth.
"We've been fighting with the city of Duluth for three years and have gotten support from Cloquet in just six weeks," he told city council members. "Thank you!"
Braun Park is near Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and the new field will be constructed west of an existing garage. This location is currently accessible for those with disabilities, provides bathrooms and concessions, and opportunities abound for the players to interact with other ballplayers.
The league also pairs players with "player buddies" when they are on the field and Braun Park provides built-in access to others who love the game and would be willing to volunteer for this role, according to Brian Fritsinger, Cloquet city administrator.
The project is estimated to cost $250,000, with all of the funds to come from donations. The infield will likely be created from recycled tires and the outfield AstroTurf.
Once the field is built, it can be used for other activities as well, including soccer, T-ball or beeper ball, a type of softball game played by blind people.
Lamminen specifically thanked the city council, parks commission, youth softball and Fritsinger for their support during Tuesday's meeting.
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"I want to give my heartfelt thanks for all the help and understanding in making this dream a reality," he said.
The Duluth Budgeteer News, which is also a Forum Communications publication, contributed to this story.
