Families urge Mansfield board to site Miracle League field for children with disabilities

Residents urged the Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation on July 8 to support a local Miracle League field that would let children with disabilities participate in organized sports closer to home.

Katie McCann told the board the Miracle League gives her child “the opportunity to express something that isn't therapy or doctor's appointment” and described it as “a little community where we can bond with families that look like ours.” Andrea Curtis said her 9-year-old daughter Callie, who uses a wheelchair full time, benefits from an accessible field that allows her to roll around the playing surface and access all areas of the park. “We would love to be a part of that,” Curtis said.

Cohen Hinojosa, a Miracle League coach, said the program builds confidence and social connections: “I believe that every kid…deserves his hands to be part of a team.” Desiree Roberts, who said both her sons are autistic, told the board a local site would reduce long drives to Arlington and broaden community participation.

Board members and staff thanked the speakers for coming but did not take formal action on siting or funding during the meeting. Staff later noted ongoing planning for Fields at Station 63 and other park projects that could provide locations or resources as the city advances its master plan.

The board moved on to other agenda items and recessed into executive session at 7:45 p.m. The public commenters’ remarks were recorded in the citizen-comment portion of the meeting, and no vote on a Miracle League-specific project occurred at this session.