The county Board of Supervisors Wednesday approved by a 4-0 vote an agreement to upgrade and rename Miracle Field at San Dieguito Park as Padres Park.
Board chair Terra Lawson-Remer described the project as “a fully inclusive baseball field where athletes of all abilities can play, compete and belong.”
The board approved the partnership among the county, the Miracle League of San Diego, San Diego Padres and the Padres Foundation. Supervisor Jim Desmond recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest.
The project will replace the field’s rubber surface with material that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and also “supports wheelchairs and mobility aids, reduces fall risk and remains cool underfoot – ensuring the field continues to meet the highest standards for safety and accessibility,” according to a statement from Lawson-Remer’s office.
It also will feature the San Diego Padres logo.
To pay for the field revamp, the Miracle League of San Diego raised $600,000, with $250,000 from the Padres Foundation, $310,000 from individuals and foundations, $40,000 from the supervisor’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Program, and $250,000 from the county Department of Parks and Recreation.
According to the county, estimated field maintenance and program costs are $10,000 per year, but will be provided through league user fees and concessions revenue, along with efforts by Miracle League volunteers.
San Dieguito Park was first opened in 1965 and is located between the communities of Del Mar and Solana Beach. The field upgrade is expected to get underway in December and be finished in January, according to Lawson-Remer’s office.
Padres CEO Erik Greupner said the field project “will ensure continued access to the great game of baseball for young athletes of all abilities and their families.”
