'Field of Dreams' Closer to Reality

The township Council this month applied for a $25,000 open-space grant from Camden County to install fencing and a scoreboard at the Field of Dreams in the township Community Park.

The Field of Dreams is an artificial surface athletic field that accommodates the needs of disabled children to participate in sports, even if they are wheelchair bound.

Council President Glen Bianchini has been a driving force behind the project that is largely being paid for with private donations.

"As we always try to do, we try to reach out to all aspects of the township—we try to address all of their needs—and I appreciate everyone's help," Bianchini said last year during a kickoff for the project.

The ball field Bianchini envisions for the township would be modeled after , which opened for play in 2004 and now serves as home ball field for 220 mentally and physically challenged South Jersey children.

Among other upgrades from the typical youth baseball field, the Field of Dreams would include an artificial-surface infield to make it easier for those in wheelchairs and walkers to play the game.

Township officials have projected a spring opening for the new facility.