Palmer to Draft Lease Agreement with Miracle League

The proposed Miracle League of Northampton County baseball field has secured a location in Palmer Township.

On March 29, the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors approved drafting a lease agreement with the league allowing them to construct the field on a one-acre plot of land at the northeast corner of the Charles Chrin Community Center. The length of the lease agreement has not yet been specified.

The non-profit Miracle League builds specially designed baseball fields for children with disabilities. There are currently 240 custom baseball diamonds across the nation, each of which is made up of a rubberized surface that accommodates wheelchairs and other assisting devices.

The estimated cost of the field is around $450,000 and will be paid for through donations. In February, the league received approval from the IRS to accept donations for the project.

“We hope to get a lot of the construction done this year,” said Supervisor Robert Lammi, who also is vice-president of the league. “Then in the spring of 2012 they’ll put down the special surface.”

The league hopes to have the field ready for use by May 2012.

Bathroom facilities and a concession stand are also in the proposed plans. Water and utility payments accrued will likely be paid for by the township, officials said.

“In the big picture, 95 percent of the usage (concession stand and bathrooms) will probably be Palmer-related and a small percentage for Miracle League,” said Supervisor David Colver.

Lights for the field are not in the plan since most games played on the field will be during daytime.

The Miracle League has already constructed a similar field in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, near routes 309 and 100.