Page 10 - NovDec2021 Vol39No5

KINGSPORT Provided by Shelia Catron
Kingsport’s Miracle Field Receives

National APWA Project of the Year

We’ve often heard the old adage
“hindsight is 20/20.” Looking back
this could not be any clearer. 2020 was
such a bitter / sweet year. Perhaps there
are many things we would rather not
remember.
However, on June 27, 2020 the official
grand opening of Kingsport’s Miracle
Field was celebrated. This is a day to
remember. It was certainly a great and
moving moment for the children, and the
smiles were priceless. Youth and young
adults with special needs, who love the
game of baseball, now have their very
own place to play America’s pastime. It’s
about self-esteem, making new friends
and being treated like any other athlete.
At the September 7, 2021 Board of
Mayor and Alderman meeting, the
American Public Works Association
(APWA) Board of Directors presented
the “Project of the Year” Award to the Left to right: Pat Breeding; Jim Neal, APWA Technical Director, Enginnering and Technology; Nico and Jud
City of Kingsport for the Miracle Field Teague; Keith Pugh, APWA Region III Director; Deputy City Manager Ryan McReynolds; and Jennifer Salyer.
project.
Outstanding Planning, Construction
and Management
The “Project of the Year” award
recognizes a project that emphasizes
outstanding planning, construction
and management. Kingsport’s success
with the Miracle Field Complex is an
excellent example of how a Public Works
department can operate as a team to
produce high-end results. This is only the
second time that the Tennessee Chapter’s
project nominee has been selected as
a “Project of the Year” with the other This recognition speaks directly to the special needs children, wounded warriors
project being the Metro Nashville Flood merits of the project and the heart of the and others.
Recovery Project in 2011. Kingsport community to provide sporting The support for the project was
“In many ways, this project turned opportunities for all children within the overwhelming and reflects the generosity
out to be such a breath of fresh air,” said region. The need for a Miracle Field was of the Kingsport community. Making
Deputy Public Works Director Ryan championed by Visit Kingsport Executive baseball accessible to all is a great way to
McReynolds. “I’m very proud of how Director Jud Teague, who remained the bring people together, from those playing
the design and construction of this driving force behind the project from on the field, to the parents and volunteers
field, which serves Kingsport’s citizens beginning to end. supporting them. This field was a highly
differently than a standard baseball Field Complex Fits Many Needs successful project that will benefit the
field, came together through various The Miracle Field Complex features community for years to come.
city organizations, such as Barge Design a rubberized baseball field, along with We are grateful to have received APWA’s
Solutions, GRC Construction and Visit an adaptive playground, pavilion and Project of the Year award. In more ways
Kingsport, along with the support of the concessions. It was built to accommodate than one, this project is certainly one “we
community.” hit out of the park.”
10 TPW November/December 2021