Rotary, Miracle League pitch adaptive baseball field at Field of Dreams site; council hears presentation but takes no action

Representatives of the Madison West Middleton Rotary Club and the Miracle League of Dane County presented the Verona Common Council with a plan to build an adaptive, rubberized baseball field at the Hemlock Street/Field of Dreams area and asked the council to allow staff to work with them on a long-term-lease and development plan.

The proposal, presented by Kevin, a Rotary Club representative, and Bill Schultz of the Miracle League of Dane County, would model the project on the Miracle League facility at Bakken Park in Cottage Grove. "We would like to enter into a long term lease with the city of Verona for specific land," Kevin said during the presentation, describing the group's ask as permission to develop a plan with city staff.

The Rotary said it expects to raise roughly $2.5 million to $3 million from donors, businesses and county-level support and aims to complete fundraising and construction within about two years if the project moves forward. The presenters named Findorff as the contractor they expect to use for construction and said the facility would include a flat, rubberized playing surface, accessible spectator areas and supporting amenities similar to the Cottage Grove site.

Why it matters: An adaptive Miracle League field would create year-round, accessible recreation for children and young adults with cognitive and physical disabilities who currently travel outside the immediate area. Presenters cited data about need in Dane County — including estimates of children with autism and other cognitive disabilities — and described the Cottage Grove site as drawing hundreds of players and spectators each season.

Council discussion focused on scope and next steps rather than substantive approvals. Alders asked how the Rotary would cover ongoing operations and maintenance; the presenters said the club would build a financial model and work with the Miracle League and potential partners to define roles and responsibilities. Alder Helmke asked explicitly about development and ongoing costs; the Rotary responded that a comprehensive financial plan would be developed with city staff and partners. Alder Tucker Long asked about estimated users; presenters said they would provide more detailed participation projections in future conversations.

City staff and the mayor reminded the council that the item had been noticed only as an informational presentation this evening and that no formal action could be taken. The mayor and city attorney said the presentation served to gauge council interest and to authorize staff to continue working with the Rotary and Miracle League on the concept; the council did not vote on a lease or agreement.

What happens next: Presenters said they will continue fundraising and coordinate with city staff on site details and legal issues. Staff indicated they will continue internal review and follow up with the Rotary and Miracle League; no contract, lease or funding commitment was made tonight.

Speakers cited (selected): - Kevin, Madison West Middleton Rotary Club representative - Bill Schultz, Miracle League of Dane County, presenter - Greg Sweeney, identified by presenters as the builder/Findorff connection - Jamie, city staff liaison - Alder Helmke, Verona Common Council - Alder Tucker Long, Verona Common Council - Alder Braithwaite, Verona Common Council - Alder Swanson, Verona Common Council - Alder Harrison, Verona Common Council

Clarifying details: - Fundraising target: Rotary said approximately $2.5 million–$3 million (presenter estimate). - Proposed site: Hemlock Street Fields / Field of Dreams area (presenters identified that area as their preferred site). - Timeline: Presenters described a planning/construction timeline of roughly two years if approvals and fundraising proceed (presenter estimate). - Builder partner: Findorff (presenters indicated Findorff would serve as the construction partner). - Current local participation: Presenters said the Cottage Grove Miracle League was drawing roughly 300–320 participants in recent years and that about 22 players currently live in the Verona ZIP code (presenter statements).

Community relevance: The project targets children and young adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and their families in Verona and Dane County; presenters framed the field as expanding inclusive recreation locally and reducing travel to Cottage Grove.

Authorities referenced: none (presentation requested staff-level follow-up; no ordinance or statute was invoked as the basis for action).

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Ending: The Rotary and Miracle League left the council with an informational presentation and asked city staff to continue discussions; the council offered general support but took no formal action because the item had not been noticed for decision.