Support ADA Ball Field in Edwin Warner Park

Growing up in Nashville, I witnessed the joy and camaraderie that baseball brought to many kids in our community. However, not all children have had the opportunity to enjoy this treasured pastime due to accessibility limitations. The need for kids of all abilities to participate in baseball is vital to the Nashville community. This is why I’m calling for the development of an ADA-compliant ball field in Edwin Warner Park.

An ADA ball field would provide a safe and inclusive environment for children with disabilities, enabling them to partake in baseball experiences that many of us often take for granted. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has a disability, and accessible recreational facilities are crucial for their physical and social development. By constructing an ADA ball field, we are fostering an inclusive community where every child, regardless of ability, can play, learn, and grow through sports.

Edwin Warner Park is a beloved part of Nashville, known for its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere. Transforming an existing baseball field in Edwin Warner a park to an ADA ball field here would not only complement the park’s mission of serving all Nashville but also set a precedent for inclusivity in recreational facilities across the state.

The benefits of such a facility are well-documented. Research from the National Investigation Council shows that inclusive play environments significantly enhance social skills and reduce feelings of isolation among children with disabilities. Additionally, inclusive sports activities can improve physical health, boost self-confidence, and foster friendships.

Our community thrives when we support each other and work towards equity in recreational opportunities. From city officials to residents and local businesses, let’s unite in this effort to make Edwin Warner Park a place where every child in Nashville can have a chance to play baseball in a safe and accommodating environment.

Joe Nichols is partnering with West Nashville League, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, and Mason’s Hotdogs to make this dream a reality, but we need community support. Together, we can build a field where all athletes, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of teamwork, friendship, and baseball.

Sign this petition and show your support for the construction of an ADA ball field at Edwin Warner Park. Together, we can turn this dream into reality and ensure that all kids, regardless of their abilities, have access to the joy of baseball.