photos courtesy of Sacramento Bee, Andy Alfaro

Rivercats Independence Field

Sacramento, California

This project consists of the only fully accessible little league sized rubberized baseball field in the Western United States. Located at the Sam Pannell Community Center in South Sacramento, the field was constructed to provide the experience of playing baseball to all citizens regardless of their physical limitations. With a focus through the City of Sacramento Access Leisure sports programs, the field has become a focal point for many persons with disabilities to realize their dreams of playing competitive sports. The field is constructed of a composite sports surface system combining the cushioning effect of a rubber mat underlayment with a textured colored EPDM athletic surface typically used for all weather track facilities. We incorporated the use of the two different colors to simulate a grass field and a dirt infield. We also provided varied textures to accentuate these different surfaces to imply real grass and a major league feeling dirt infield. The project result has been overwhelming. The joy and excitement expressed by both the children playing as well as the parents who have finally witnessed their children playing sports like the rest of the kids.