Miracle League’s motto is “Every child deserves a chance to play,” and Troy has moved one step closer to fulfilling that motto.

Only minor aesthetic and safety work remain between now and the Miracle League Playground’s grand opening at 10 a.m. on September 25. The grand opening ceremony will consist of a formal dedication and ribbon cutting, and Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith hopes for a big turn out from the community.

The playground itself will provide a safe place for Pike County’s special needs children to play in an interactive environment. The playground contains all the staples of a normal playground, slides, tunnels, and climbing areas, but this equipment has been specially designed for children with wheelchairs and other special needs.

“Even though school will be in session on Monday, Troy City Schools and other schools in the area are allowing for some of the Miracle League players to attend the ceremony,” Smith said.

While the playground will primarily service Troy’s disabled community, all children between ages five and 12 are encouraged to utilize the facility.

The playground is an offshoot of Troy’s Miracle League program. Miracle League is an organization whose goal is to provide a safe place where special needs children can play baseball and participate in league games. Troy opened its Miracle League baseball field in the summer of 2011.

More than $245,000 has been raised through fundraising efforts since that summer in order to make the dream of the playground into a reality.

Smith believes that the Miracle League program has had a wholly positive effect on the community. “This has been one of the most positive projects that we have ever been involved in at the Parks and Recreation Department,” Smith said.

Smith especially praised the Troy community’s ability to rally around civil projects such as the playground and to make them a reality. “All sorts of people from all different walks of life have participated in raising money,” Smith said. “The Miracle League field was a very positive and popular project within the community. I am so proud and happy that we can extend Miracle League’s services with the new playground.”

Smith also encourages the people of Troy to fully utilize the playground’s services.

“The park is designed for special needs kids, but it is really for all children of all abilities.”

The Troy Parks and Recreation Department extends an invite to all of Pike County’s citizens to take part in the opening festivities. “We invite anyone and everyone to come to the grand opening to take part in the excitement.”

The Miracle League playground is located off Enzor Road next to the Troy Recreation Center.