Big news in St. Johns County as local officials and the Field of Dreams Baseball League kicked off an ambitious expansion of the Field of Dreams Baseball facility at Aberdeen Park. The project, priced at $1.5 million, was given the spotlight during a celebration on May 3. According to St. Johns County's official announcement, the upgrade will introduce an expanded parking lot and a new concession stand with restrooms meeting ADA requirements.
The roster of attendees at the ceremony included local governing heavy-hitters like District Commissioners and law enforcement leaders who came together to both witness and participate in the event, which included a special first pitch ceremony. Jamie Baccari, a seasoned veteran with over 25 years in Parks and Recreation, expressed immense satisfaction to see the project unfold, stating on St. Johns County, "Being able to support our partners in expanding recreational opportunities to youths in our community is exactly why I got into this field."
Accessibility and inclusiveness seem to be at the heart of the Field of Dreams, with Commissioner Christian Whitehurst noting the importance of creating spaces where "a mom and dad want their kids to feel welcomed, appreciated, and valued," as mentioned on the St. Johns County website. The league, which started in 2011, operates on a volunteer basis, providing a chance for children with disabilities to swing for the fences, free of charge, in an ADA-approved facility. This expansion signifies a big step towards making the Field of Dreams project even more accommodating to players and their families from Northeast Florida and beyond.
Focusing on the community's children, the project has garnered strong support from local government officials. "The new ADA amenities will really help enhance the Field of Dreams into a premier destination," Chair Joseph was quoted saying on St. Johns County. Meanwhile, FOD League Co-Founder George Vancore remarked on the strong partnership with the County and expressed gratitude for the growth of the league, "This is a very special place, but it doesn't happen by magic," he told attendees. "God bless these children—that's why we're here."
