Gov. Rick Scott Presides Over Official Opening of Space Coast Field of Dreams Complex
By Space Coast Daily // January 5, 2016
five-acre, $5.2 million all-access sports park
BREVARD COUNTY • WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Governor Rick Scott was in Brevard on Tuesday and presided over the official opening of the new Space Coast Field of Dreams Sports Complex in West Melbourne.
The five acre complex is an all-access, multi-sport park for children and adults with disabilities that includes baseball and soccer fields, a basketball court, and a disability-friendly playground.
The state invested over $2 million into the project in 2014 and an additional $1 million in 2015.
“It is exciting to support life-changing projects like the Field of Dreams to provide all Floridians the opportunity to achieve their goals in our state,” said Gov. Scott.
“This complex is an inspiring place that will help youth and adults with disabilities enjoy sports that we all love like baseball, basketball and soccer. Florida has made significant investments in supporting individuals with disabilities, and we are continuing to do so by proposing a record $1 billion to enroll all individuals with critical needs from the waiting list onto the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program this year.”
Florida’s first all-access, multi-sport park for children and adults with disabilities opened with a celebratory baseball game. State and local dignitaries, as well as key supporters, will serve as buddies to players with disabilities during the one-inning game.
“An active lifestyle is important for the long-term health and well-being of all Floridians,” said Senate President Andy Gardiner.
“Unfortunately, all too often people with disabilities face obstacles when participating in sporting events. The Field of Dreams will make it possible for more people with unique abilities to participate in sports and other physical activity that contributes to their health, sense of community and quality of life. I am grateful to Governor Scott, Speaker Crisafulli and my House and Senate colleagues for their support of this important facility.”
The five-acre, $5.2 million all-access sports park features a soft-surface baseball and soccer field and basketball court. A disability-friendly playground for kids ages five to 12 also is located within the complex.
“The opening of the Field of Dreams Sports Complex would not have been possible without the hundreds of citizens who have volunteered and donated their time and their talents,” House Speaker Steve Crisafulli of Merritt Island said.
“My hope is this complex will help create memories for children and adults with disabilities and their families that will carry with them for a lifetime.”
The sports complex is located at the north end of West Melbourne Community Park, 3000 Minton Road, West Melbourne.
“I am excited to be a part of the opening day of the Field of Dreams park and know that it will add to the West Melbourne community,” said Representative Ritch Workman.
“I am thankful that Gov. Scott has made funding for individuals with disabilities a priority in his administration including this creation of this complex.”
In 2014, Governor Rick Scott signed the state budget which awarded $2 million and $50,000 to the Space Coast Field of Dreams; an additional $1 million was awarded in 2015.
Other founding supporters were Eckerd Foundation, Embraer, Harris Corporation, Health First, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Wal-Mart.
“We must always find ways to better the lives of all Floridians and this beautiful park will inspire so many children and adults with disabilities to live their dreams,” said Representative Tom Goodson.
“It is great to join Governor Scott and others leaders from the community to officially open the Field of Dreams complex.”
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