MORGANTOWN — Nearly two decades ago, SteppingStones partnered with Mylan Park to build Miracle Field, a one-of-a-kind custom-designed baseball diamond for ballplayers overcoming physical and developmental challenges.
Now the nonprofit organization that provides year-round recreation for children and adults with disabilities is once again swinging for the fences.
SteppingStones Director Monica Marietta said Wednesday that the organization is gearing up for an intense fundraising push in order to build a $2 million fully accessible/inclusive, multi-generational playground next to Miracle Field.
That effort, which was put on hold by COVID in 2019, has been bolstered significantly by a promise of up to $300,000 in matching funds from the Monongalia County Commission divided over the next four years.
Marietta said SteppingStones already has $100,000 on hand and pledges for another $118,000, including $50,000 from the Mike Puskar Foundation.
“The goal is to reach $500,000. Once we reach $500,000 then we will start ordering the equipment,” she said. “We are moving forward.”
The whole idea behind the project is to create a space that is fun for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
“Every piece of equipment, whether you’re an adult or you’re a kid or you’re a grandparent, you can get on. It’s fully accessible, but it doesn’t scream this is for somebody with a disability,” SteppingStones Recreation Coordinator Kim Walls said.
Walls said the organization would love to start construction in the spring or summer.
The commission challenged other entities to get on board.
“Every community talks about they’re welcoming and all-inclusive … this is actually putting that in action,” Commissioner Jeff Arnett said. “We’re trying to be partners in this because we want everyone to know that Mon County is open for business and we’re open for all kinds of business for every type of person with every type of physical ability or inability that you have. You can come here and there’s something to do.”
In other county news, the commission heard from neighbors Kevin Dailey and Sherry Phillips regarding frustrations with rust-colored mine runoff damaging their properties along W.Va. 7, in Richard.
The issue dates back years and appears to be getting at least some attention from the state now that it’s impacting the W.Va.7 paving project.
“This has been ongoing since 2008,” Phillips said, explaining the murky red water has made her basement unusable. “We need help out there.”
The commission said it would continue to exert what influence it could on the state to fix the underlying drainage problem.
“I couldn’t even imagine the frustration that you’ve been going through,” Commission President Tom Bloom said, adding, “We will continue working on this.”
Lastly, Bloom said the county’s jail bill will jump from $48.25 per inmate, per day, to $54.48 starting in July 2023.
Based on last year’s numbers, the increase would likely result in a jump of at least $250,000.
