ADA-Compliant Facility Enriches Phoebe Bakken Memorial Park in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
In 2010, the Village of Cottage Grove dedicated a parkland area in honor of a local philanthropist whose generosity enabled utility extensions into the park area, allowing for future development of the park. Since that time, the community’s parks and recreation department has been steadily adding new attractions in Phoebe Bakken Memorial Park. The 38-acre park is now home to athletic fields, a rugby pitch, playground areas, a 2,500-square-foot splash pad, a 2,900-square-foot shelter building with restrooms, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and a wheels park, among other amenities.
In 2020, Snyder & Associates was brought on board to develop a plan for a “Miracle Field” that required integration into the overall design and framework of the existing Bakken Park Master Plan. Designed to allow children and adults with disabilities to safely play baseball, Miracle Fields have been growing in popularity for over two decades. Instead of the grass and dirt found on a typical baseball field, a Miracle Field diamond and outfield are made of a custom-designed, rubberized turf material that provides athletes with a flat, cushioned surface, free of obstacles. The bases are flat, as well, allowing the players with disabilities to run, walk, or roll a wheelchair without fear of injury. Likewise, the concourse, player dugouts, and bleacher areas are all ADA compliant.
The Village of Cottage Grove’s new Miracle League Field rendering.
Material Sourcing & Design Challenges Addressed through Coordination
Spearheaded by another local humanitarian, Bill Schultz, and coordinated by Greg Sweeney, the Miracle League of Dane County was founded to raise the necessary funds for bringing the field to reality. Because of the organization’s non-profit status, our team went to great lengths to source equipment and materials at reduced rates in order to build the most cost-effective field. We worked with generous local vendors who were excited about the project and able to deliver quality equipment at great rates — with some materials even being donated.
A primary design challenge faced by our team was building the ball field and its supporting infrastructure to fit seamlessly with the unbuilt portions included in the park’s master plan. This included working within the confines of the park’s existing trail network. These easily accessible trail routes throughout the park connect amenities with the neighborhood and regional trail network and meet ADA compliance. To fit the ball field and the necessary improvements into the available space, we worked in close collaboration with village leaders and parks and recreation department staff.
Bill Schultz (center) founded the Miracle League of Dane County to raise funds for the new ball field.
Complete Services Offering Streamlined Build Process
In addition to the overall design work, our team handled countless other aspects of the project, including topographic survey and construction staking, along with concept development and 3D modeling. We also provided all construction drawings, utility planning and mapping, and offered construction management services throughout the build process. A strategic landscaping plan included tree plantings to complement and extend the nearby natural, wooded environment and increase shade within the frequently used areas.
Construction was completed in the spring of 2021 with over $1 million in field and site improvements. Within two years of opening for play in 2021, the league had doubled its active player roster, extended the playing season, and successfully raised funds to install lights for night games.
In response to the field’s popularity, Miracle League of Dane County re-engaged Snyder & Associates in 2025 to evaluate potential sites for a filed on the county’s west side and provide design services. Snyder & Associates has also been assisting the organization with design and construction documents for an all-inclusive playground at Phoebe Bakken Park in Cottage Grove, adjacent to the Miracle Field.
This project provides a developmentally appropriate and unique experience for all users regardless of intellectual, sensory, or mobility capacity. With a strong dedication to promoting and expanding all-inclusive play opportunities, Snyder & Associates has contributed to the successful development and implementation of Miracle League Fields and all-inclusive playgrounds in numerous Midwest communities.
