Sports For All

It’s that time of year again, ballparks are back in swing. You will be hard pressed not to find a little league game being played just about any day of the week. 

Most kids know the thrill of lacing up their cleats, wearing a uniform, and being part of a team. My community desired that ALL kids have this chance.

I am proud to announce that the Second District of Texas has a new ballpark in town—Insperity Adaptive Sports Complex. Too often children with disabilities are forced to watch from the bench or sidelines. 

Playgrounds and sports fields are neither wheelchair nor walker friendly. Humble Independent School District and the YMCA partnered to provide children with disabilities and special needs a unique barrier free environment to play and participate in team sports.

The facility exists because of companies like Insperity and folks like Joe Cleary, Mark Koenig, and Dr. Guy Sconzo; along with the executive directors, board members, private donors, and volunteers, who devoted countless hours and money to improving the lives of children with disabilities.

Insperity Adaptive Sports Complex is located near Summerwood between Groves Elementary and West Lake Middle School. It sits on 5 acres. It features two YMCA Miracle League fields. 

Both fields are wheelchair accessible with a synthetic surface that allows children of all abilities to take the field. The team dugouts accommodate wheelchairs and other special needs such as walkers. 

Kids of all abilities can now be a part of a team. They proudly wear their uniform and round the bases just like their friends. And they have fans. It is joy to witness parents getting to watch their disabled child be a part of a team for the very first time.

The new adaptive sports facility also has an innovative playground with ramps, special swings, and sensory stations. It even has a basketball court with modified basketball hoops. 

It feels like any other ball park with concessions and a pavilion. It is important for those with disabilities to stay active.

Adaptive sports and recreational programs bring health, wellness and social benefits to the special needs child. It is challenging but also healing.

The unique partnership, between the school district and the YMCA, allows students in the district to use the facility during the school day and the YMCA uses the facility in the evenings and weekends. The community is welcome to enjoy the open playground outside of school times.

A win win for the Lake Houston area. So this weekend, grab your sunscreen, and head out to our newest park in town. Be ready to cheer on some remarkable Texans, who are happy to finally be a part of a team. 

And that’s just the way it is.