Gov. Henry McMaster and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-5th) were on hand Wednesday to dedicate Miracle Park in Rock Hill. The Miracle Park project is the first of its kind in the United States – an outdoor recreation center built specifically to accommodate visitors of all abilities.
Dubbed the most inclusive public project in the city’s history, Miracle Park will feature two softball/baseball fields, a fishing pond, and other recreational sites between Cherry Road and Eden Terrace.
McMaster called the project “a beacon of how strong and great the people of South Carolina are” during his speech at the site Wednesday.
Outgoing Winthrop University President Dan Mahoney said Miracle Park was the best thing the university could have done with its land. He added that the benefits of having Miracle Park in operation will reach more than just those looking for recreation, but also Winthrop students who will get a chance to study the social effects of having a sports and recreation park designed with disabilities in mind.
The overall price tag for the project is $8 million, according to the York County Disabilities Foundation. So far, the project has raised $3 million to help get it off the ground. Corporate sponsors include Rock Hill Coca-Cola, Comporium, Founders Federal Credit Union, Williams & Fudge, Springs Close Foundation Springsteen Foundation, and York County Community Foundation. Warren Norman Co., owned by Rep. Norman’s son, is donating construction services to build the park.
Phase 1, the park’s two softball fields, are set to open in mid-2020.