Hutto's first sports facility specifically designed for disabled children is set to break ground the first week of May.
Several organizations, including the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, the Texas Rangers Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, sMiles 4 Sammy, Chive Charities and Baylor Scott & White Health, have donated money toward the project. The Bridge Community Church—which is under construction—donated a 50-year lease next to its new site for the facility, which will be called the Keep Calm and Chive On Ability Field.
"Part of our whole vision as a church is to build a bridge to reach people through tangible acts of kindness," said David McLain, the church's pastor. "We didn't want it to just be a place where we went to church; we wanted it to be a larger asset to the whole community."
When finished, the 13,000-square-foot facility will provide playing space for Central Texas Ability Sports, a Hutto-based nonprofit that provides sports leagues for disabled children. CTAS participants will be able to practice and play multiple sports, including baseball, kickball and soccer, at the new facility. The facility will have artificial grass on its field and will include two dugouts, bleachers, a scoreboard, a concession stand and bathrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The field will also be open for community use. CTAS co-founder John Lorek hopes to partner with surrounding school districts and other businesses to host field days and sports clinics. Its location along SH 130 on the Travis/Williamson county line and Pflugerville/Hutto border makes it accessible to players, Lorek said.
"We've got 45 kids in our organization from Bastrop to Killeen, and being on the toll [road] is such a blessing for the families," Lorek said.
Completion of the field is set for mid-August, and CTAS plans to hold an adaptive soccer clinic as the facility's first public event.
Legends for Youth baseball clinic
On April 19, Central Texas Ability Sports will host the inaugural clinic catered to children with disabilities. Several officials, including U.S. Rep. John Carter, R–Round Rock; Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell will start the clinic with a first-pitch ceremony. The event includes participants from CTAS, San Antonio–based nonprofit Eva's Heroes, the Down Home Ranch in Elgin and the Just Keep Livin' Foundation's Austin chapter. The Hawaiian Falls Water and Adventure Park will also provide Hawaiian music and games for participants. Former Major League Baseball players are slated to teach the clinic. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Walnut Creek Park, 12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-212-1259. www.huttochallenger.webs.com