Free Bleachers In Vernon ... 3 Cheers For The 'Wrong Order'

VERNON, CT — The town of Vernon has a new set of bleachers for an athletic field — free of charge — after a delivery mix-up led to the wrong seating being sent to the new Miracle Field.

The Miracle Field is a specially designed artificial turf complex for athletes with special needs that sits on the campus of Vernon's Northeast School. It officially opened last month to much fanfare and the bleachers seemed fine when packed with people.

But ...

Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro, who also sits on the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut Advisory Board, said Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler noticed they might not be the exact ones ordered. Like the field, the seats must comply with a strict set of safety rules, including the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.

Sure enough, the wrong set of stands was sent. Purcaro said Miracle League officials contacted the manufacturer, which agreed to send a new set out as soon as possible.

Then, things became a bit interesting.

"The manufacturer said it would be cost-prohibitive to disassemble them and ship them back," Purcaro said. "So we were told to just keep them. It goes to show you the state of shipping these days, but, hey ... free bleachers? We'll take them."

With the Miracle League's blessing, a town Department of Public Works crew removed the "wrong" bleachers from the Miracle League field Monday and plopped them down on the left-field line at Vernon Center Middle School's softball field.

They will stay there — for now.

Anticipating the local youth sports leagues doing what youth sports leagues do and start lobbying for position with the bleachers, Sitler was quick to point out that parks and recreation officials will study the best location for them.

Several factors must be weighed, he said, including need, drainage and space.

"We will find the best spot for them and we're grateful to have them," Sitler said.

New bleachers should be arriving at the Miracle Field this week, Purcaro said.