Miracle League seeks city support to secure Ready 2.0 grant for accessible field at Osborne Park

Cindy Brooks, president of the Miracle League of Henry County, asked the council to help the nonprofit secure the local match needed to use a Ready 2.0 grant to build an accessible Miracle League field at Osborne Park.

"This project will bring full accessibility, inclusive Miracle League field to Osborne Park," Brooks said, explaining that the field would serve children and adults with disabilities and serve as a regional draw. She said the project is planned in phases: a playable field in 2027 followed by a turf upgrade, family meeting areas and an inclusive playground in later phases.

Brooks said Phase 1 costs are "a little over $600,000," that the Ready 2.0 award is $175,000, and that the project already expects support from county food-and-beverage funds and local contributions. At the meeting a figure of roughly $50,000 from county food‑and‑beverage and about $56,000 in local Miracle League funds were cited as pieces of the match. Brooks asked the council to consider in‑kind contributions such as land or other city support and to let the mayor’s office know what the city can offer.

Council members asked for the Miracle League’s detailed budget; Brooks said she would deliver a project budget to the mayor for review and follow up with the council. The presenter emphasized the program’s accessibility goals and potential to host tournaments that could bring visitors to the city.

The council did not take a vote on funding during the meeting; Brooks asked for the city’s support to secure the matching resources needed to complete the Ready 2.0 phase.