FACT:  There are 75,620 individuals under age 65 with disabilities in Memphis, and 116,139 in the Memphis, TN-AR-MS Metro area*. 

*2022 American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau Estimates of Non-Institutionalized Population.

The Miracle League of Memphis has been organized to create a recreational “destination” for individuals with disabilities and special needs – both children and adults – which includes 1) a specially designed baseball field for baseball, soccer, kickball and other sports, 2) the largest INCLUSIVE playground in the Mid-south where children with disabilities and special needs can play on equipment designed specifically for them so that they can join non-disabled/special needs children in a family friendly atmosphere, and 3) an area with pavilions where families and friends can gather to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual.  This complex will be multi-cultural and multi-racial.

When we first started our research, we learned that the national Miracle League organization began in 1999.  It was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.  They developed a custom-designed field with a cushioned, rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible dugouts, and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to players who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers, or who are visually impaired.  They also pioneered the concept of inclusive playgrounds so that children with disabilities or special needs can play alongside children with no disabilities or special needs.

The Miracle League organization currently has over 180 baseball fields and over 60 playgrounds nationwide. 

As we continued our research, the two responses we received the most were: “We need a place with more activities for our child,” and “We want activities that our child can participate in with other children.”  The Miracle League of Memphis complex will meet both of those needs.  By accomplishing these goals, family bonds will be strengthened, friendships will be reinforced and broadened, and the culture of inclusion will be enhanced across the Memphis/Mid-South area.

The Miracle League of Memphis is a 501(c)3 organization incorporated under the name “Everybody Plays” dba The Miracle League of Memphis.