Phase 2 included the addition of two multipurpose turf fields—mainly designated for cricket and rugby but that can also be used for football and soccer—and a miracle field—which is a sports field with rubberized surface that allows athletes of all abilities to play—said Carry Capers, Pearland Parks and Recreation director.
“The vision for Pearland Parks and Recreation is to build a healthy, connected and vibrant community that enriches lives through exceptional experiences and we are doing that right here with this park,” Capers said.
The second phase of the sports facility was first put together in the 2019 bond program, Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole said. Phase 2 broke ground in January 2021, cost roughly $10 million and was funded through Shadow Creek Ranch’s tax increment reinvestment zone, Capers said.
The Miracle League field will be the fourth field of its kind in the Greater Houston area, Cole said. The city anticipates it to also be a draw for the city in terms of visitors and the economy, he added.
Additionally, Nikki Kamkar, board member at Forever Parks Foundation, said the nonprofit organization has raised its original goal of $960,000 needed to launch the all-inclusive park, which will allow children of all abilities and developmental stages to play in the same space, but the cost to build it has risen due the rise in building costs, she added.
Despite the funds being short, the inclusive playground is still expected to break ground in the spring and be open by the fall, Kamkar said. Pearland City Council will likely enter an advanced funding agreement at its March 28 meeting to order the equipment, Cole said.
“We pride ourselves on bringing people together,” Cole said.
