Talk about a Field of Dreams.

An effort is underway to take an underutilized Little League field at Betts Park and convert it to an adaptive ballfield.

Currently, aspiring ballplayers with special needs participate in the Challenger Division.

The project as proposed aims to expand opportunities for those players.

A pitch on the project was made this week to the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission, which unanimously recommended approval of the project to city council.

Data on the Challenger Division shows that it is growing – just 10 participated in 2020. This year? 20.

“20 kids and 17 volunteers. It was a community effort,” Bill Clark explained.

Clark explained that technology was added this year that would allow players to press a button in order to swing the bat. They also played with balls that would beep for those who have difficulty hearing.

He cited the “excitement and joy” in his own son’s eyes and stressed that this concept is “a legacy to continue to move forward” in light of improvements to Lacy Park.

“This year for Challenger Division was amazing,” Jeremy Wyman, the Warren County Youth Baseball Softball Association president explained. “My main focus for Warren County Little League is to improve the fields and playing conditions to build growth in our league.”

He said there’s a “need for a place for the Challenger Division to safely participate in baseball and softball. The fields we have now don’t meet those needs.”

Jeff Eggleston said the project as proposed would include an all-turf field that could also be used for soccer. Estimated cost is in the range of $500,000, he said.

Rather than construct a new field, however, the group proposes to convert Musante Field at Betts Park into this space.

Commission chair Mike Suppa said it might be best if this project doesn’t take place at Lacy Park.

“That’s a conversation we’ve had,” Eggleston said. “Do we want Lacy to be the special needs park?” He addressed the importance of integrating these experiences into the broader sports community.