The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) recently unveiled their 51st Dodgers Dreamfield at Jack Bulik Park in Fontana, Calif., with the location also serving as their second universally accessible field. The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation served as a partner on the project.
The ceremony was attended by Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel and Joe Kelly, who both interacted with residents after the ribbon cutting. “It’s going to be very, very special for kids to go out and forget about their problems by playing baseball,” Kelly said.
“I want to thank the Dodgers, I get a chance to play for my hometown team and come out here in the Inland Empire for the Dodgers Foundation to open up a 51st park out here is very, very special.
“I want to thank you guys for coming out and obviously thank the Dodgers Foundation. Hopefully this is going to be a place you guys can enjoy and escape reality for a couple hours.”
After the ceremonial ribbon cutting and speaking program, the field hosted its inaugural game with the Challengers Little League, with Kelly and Ebel coaching their own team. The Little League Challengers Program is a Little League adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges.
“Dodgers Dreamfield No. 51 is home to our second universally accessible field that will provide children of all abilities a safe place to play baseball and softball,” said LADF youth program director Tiffany Rubin.
“The positive impact sports can have on a child’s life is why we find it important to continue to improve communities. LADF is focused on utilizing a data-driven approach to target Los Angeles communities with unique needs for all of our Dodgers Dreamfields projects.”
In line with its new strategic plan, LADF is placing an emphasis on safe places to play for youth of all abilities. Across the United States, an estimated 18% of children have a disability or chronic condition.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reap the health, social and emotional benefits of sports participation, regardless of ability.
“All kids need a place they can call their own and where they can have fun simply being kids, and sports have a magical way of doing just that” said vice chairman of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, Cal Ripken, Jr.
“We are honored to be a part of this project and support the thoughtful efforts of the Dodgers Foundation to provide a barrier-free park for children of all abilities to have a safe place to play, learn and grow.”
Last year, the LADF announced a commitment to build 75 Dodgers Dreamfields by 2033, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the franchise’s move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.
