At the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, the belief that all kids deserve a place to play, grow, and belong shapes the vision behind the Youth Development Park initiative. Today, that vision has materialized in 126 parks, including 23 adaptive fields, across 27 states and Washington, D.C., impacting more than 740,000 children. With wider dugout entrances, painted bases, and an ADA-compliant, wheelchair-accessible synthetic turf, our adaptive fields remove barriers and create a field that both accommodates and empowers youth of all abilities. The concept is simple, but for many families, it represents something once out of reach: a place where every child is welcomed into the game with dignity, joy, and belonging.

Through this work, adaptive fields are created in partnership with organizations committed to serving children of all abilities. In North Carolina, we partner with Miracle League of the Triangle, serving youth across Raleigh, Durham, and Cary. At our Fred Smith Company Field in Raleigh and the Miracle League Field in Durham, games unfold with cheers, teamwork, and quiet milestones as players round the bases, hear their names announced, and celebrate together.

The Miracle League of the Triangle Executive Director Benjy Capps reflected on the partnership, sharing, “These spaces allow every child to experience joy, confidence, and connection, while programs create meaningful relationships with law enforcement and mentors who support our athletes on and off the field.” Season after season, players, families, volunteers, and officers return to these parks where inclusion is not explained. It is lived, one game at a time.