Community partners and city leaders drive development of new, inclusive Miracle League Park

The Miracle League Field of Northern Indiana at Normain Heights Park in Mishawaka is a $5.2 million reality made possible by a powerful partnership among the city, donors, and local advocates, including Special Olympics Indiana and ADEC. This collaborative investment transcends traditional park design by offering accessible play and sensory-friendly spaces. The effort is creating an inclusive hub that will anchor the Michiana community and beyond for years to come.

“The focus on the community partners is important because that is the only way we will be able to keep the park open,” said Barb Michalos, regional director for Special Olympics Indiana and board member for the Miracle League of Northern Indiana. “The growth and use of the park is at our forefront, and our number one priority is to make it a neighborhood hub.” 

The Miracle League Park’s planning committee combined resources and expertise to create a sustainable, inclusive space for local families. After navigating complex fundraising and design phases together, these partners are thrilled to debut the park this July at the intersection of Main and McKinley in Mishawaka.

“I think the biggest thing is that no one is the expert,” said Courtney Smith, director of community engagement at ADEC. “We might all be serving similar people, but it takes a village. Collaborating rather than competing has been a blessing. I think it makes these projects that much more successful.”

The design team prioritized accessibility by involving experts directly in the planning phase. Creative features include interactive communication boards in the dugouts and throughout the park. Developed with a speech pathologist, these boards use pictograms to assist visitors with limited or no verbal communication. Universal amenities like shaded pavilions, accessible restrooms, and sensory-friendly zones remove common participation barriers for all community members.

“If you look at the park, it offers more than just baseball,” Michalos said. “It includes an accessible splash pad, playground, basketball court, restrooms, shade structures, a story walk, and a sensory area. It is a well-thought-out program that will benefit everybody.”

The Miracle League Park will serve as a permanent hub for inclusive programming. ADEC will integrate the facility into its summer camps and adult programs to provide consistent fitness and social opportunities, while Special Olympics Indiana expands its year-round sports calendar to include the park. Beyond recreation, these organizations will use the venue for volunteer events and community gatherings to ensure it remains a vibrant neighborhood resource.

“For ADEC, this shift is huge because one of our goals is integrating into the community,” Smith said. “For us, that means meeting the community where they are, not making special requirements. We want to show that individuals with intellectual disabilities can be active members of the community. We are creating a space for everyone—everyone has a spot at the table.”

The park will further serve as a hands-on training ground that prepares individuals with disabilities for future employment. Participants will gain real-world experience in roles like park maintenance, event management, and scorekeeping. This initiative directly connects recreational activity to career growth and helps individuals establish professional independence within their own community.

“We see this as great for job opportunities,” Smith said. “Whether it’s maintaining the park, keeping score at some of the leagues, or welcoming people during events – all these kinds of roles that the individuals we serve love to participate in. If they can be working members of their community, that is a win-win.” 

The project is set to serve more than 81,000 residents across 26 Northern Indiana counties as a premier destination for inclusive recreation. The Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Department manages the facility in partnership with the Miracle League Association and local non-profits to ensure it remains a sustainable resource. Drawing visitors from as far as the Ohio and Illinois borders, the park stands as a vital anchor for the entire North Central region.

“The park is not just for individuals with disabilities, but for their families, neighbors and the community as a whole,” Michalos said. “For the Special Olympics, parks like Miracle League are critical to connect kids with disabilities. We would not be able to do these projects without their support and input.” 

The Miracle League Park builds on a foundation of new and ongoing partnerships to serve the community. Its accessible play spaces and sensory-friendly areas empower children and adults with disabilities to build fitness and independence. To launch the park, the city will host a summer kickoff featuring a wiffle ball tournament and an Experience Day open house, allowing families to explore the new resources firsthand.

To learn more about updates on The Miracle League Field of Northern Indiana, visit mishawaka.in.gov. Volunteers and donors can find more information at miracleleaguenin.org or by calling (574) 315-4727. For additional information regarding Miracle League of Northern Indiana, click here.

For more on the Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Foundation, you can visit mishawaka.in.gov.