By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



A Gardendale project received some good news on Friday.

A press release from U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills, confirmed the congressman has allocated $100,000 to complete the city’s Miracle League field. The funds have been earmarked as part of the Transportation Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.

Final approval of the funds will depend on final passage by the Senate and President Barack Obama’s signature.

“I’m absolutely thrilled, shocked, excited and everything you can possibly imagine,” said Miracle League organizer Jeff Dennis. “That would really put us over the top as far as being able to do some things.”

The project has also received state funding in the form of a $50,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

Gardendale Parks and Recreation Superintendent Stan Hogeland echoed Dennis’ comments. He said the money would likely be used to pave the parking lot, make landscape improvements and shade the field’s seating area.

“It would enable us to make it even more of a showplace than what it is now,” he said. “We appreciate the support from Congressman Bachus.”

The Miracle League Field complex is the first baseball and softball park in Jefferson County specifically designed for children and adults with special needs. The field officially opened in April.

“The Miracle League Field is a truly inspiring place which allows a special group of young people and adults to experience the joy of sports. They teach all of us that challenges can be overcome,” Bachus said in the press release. “The City of Gardendale deserves enormous credit for hosting this unique facility and it my pleasure to be able to show support for it.”