‘Call it a miracle’: State officials celebrate construction on Rock Hill’s Miracle Park
Organizers broke ground Wednesday on Rock Hill’s Miracle Park, a project designed for people with all abilities to play and work.
Elected officials, including Gov. Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman and State Rep. Gary Simrill spoke at the event.
The park, between Cherry Road and Eden Terrace, will include two baseball fields designed for people of all abilities, multi-purpose fields and an inclusive playground. The park also will offer employment opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs.
The land for the park, which spans 15 acres, is leased from the city of Rock Hill and Winthrop University. Construction of the park, which is estimated to be an $8 million project, began in early November, according to a release from Miracle Park.
McMaster said the park, which is expected to be fully completed in three to four years, reflects the strength of the people of South Carolina.
“When we talk to each other, work together and share a common goal, there’s nothing we can’t do,” McMaster said. “You may call it a miracle, you may not, but I believe in miracles and I think that they happen. If we believe in them, they will happen.”
Mayor John Gettys said it was an exciting day to see the project come so far in two years.
“There’s no question we have a special community,” Gettys said. “It’s why we’re recognized — we weren’t given — we earned the All American City designation. It’s why we have so much ahead of us than behind us that we can be proud of. Not many communities can be say that.”
The first phase of the park, which will include infrastructure improvements, a “miracle” baseball field and the inclusive playground, is expected to be completed by late summer 2020, developer Warren Norman said.
Future phases of the park will include another “miracle” field, multi-purpose fields, golf area, fishing pond, retail space, such as a coffee shop that will employ people with all abilities, Norman said.
Winthrop President Dan Mahony, who announced his resignation on Dec. 3, said the park fits the university’s focus on diversity and inclusion. He said the park will allow Winthrop students to participate in service opportunities and provide research opportunities for faculty.
“When you come down to it, we can’t see a better use of this land than what we’re seeing here,” Mahony said. “And so, when the decision came whether we were going to provide the land, this is the best use of land we can think of.”
World Special Olympics Gold Medalist Josh Myers was the last to speak before officials broke ground. He wore a red, white and blue Special Olympics tracksuit and as he stepped on the stage, he took a deep breath. The crowd laughed.
“I am so excited for the opportunity for all kids,” he shouted. He threw his hands in the air. “Let’s build this playground.”
The crowd cheered.
