Heartland and Town of Normal partner to operate Miracle League Field

Heartland Community College and the Town of Normal have entered into an agreement that will secure the operations of Miracle League Field, a recreational center for individuals with disabilities. 

The Town of Normal and Heartland Community College will partner to operate Miracle League Field, with the college assuming maintenance responsibilities while the Town handles the scheduling of events. 

Located behind the Corn Crib stadium at 1000 W. Raab Rd, in Normal, Miracle League Field opened in 2015 and was the dream of the late “Uncle Bill” Wright, a father of a child with disabilities and a local businessman.

The Miracle League of Central Illinois provides opportunities for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities to play baseball in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. “Buddies” from throughout the community and area join families and friends to assist and cheer on individual players and teams. The baseball field is designed to be completely accessible for players to participate, accommodating wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. 

“We are very fortunate to have this collaboration utilizing the resources of the Town of Normal and Heartland Community to help our league grow and prosper,” said Steve Mace, President of Miracle League of Central Illinois. “I also want to recognize and thank the many individual sponsors and groups that have contributed over the last 17 years to make our league a success.”

In 2023, the Miracle League of Central Illinois and the Town of Normal partnered to provide these experiences for a wide range of individuals and increase the resources available to enhance the quality of the Miracle League experience. In June, Heartland Community College signed a charitable gift agreement with the Miracle League of Central Illinois, gifting the field and surrounding facilities to the college as an “improvement” of the property owned by Heartland.

“The opportunities offered by the Miracle League for accessible recreation are closely aligned with the Heartland mission of providing accessible, equitable, and innovative opportunities to enrich our community,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille. “We’re proud to partner with the Town of Normal and the Miracle League to secure the present and future of this wonderful opportunity for individuals to play, learn, and grow.” 

The Town of Normal and Heartland have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the continued operations and maintenance of the field and facilities. The Town of Normal Parks & Recreation Department will now handle the scheduling of events and league operations.

“We’re proud to continue the quality programs the Miracle League of Central Illinois has offered for the past 10 years,” said Town of Normal Parks and Recreation Director Doug Damery. “Looking ahead, we will explore opportunities to expand inclusive programming and identify additional uses for this valued facility.”

Several members of the Miracle League Board and leadership team from the past will serve in an advisory capacity as needed.