The Newton County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement between the county and the Newton County Recreation Commission to build the Miracle League Field using SPLOST funds. The Miracle League Field will be a specialized baseball field with related facilities aimed for disabled children to use.

Voters approved a $1.5 million SPLOST referendum last March.

The Recreation Commission has applied for a construction loan from Newton Federal "in an amount not to exceed the $1.5 million to develop the field." The Recreation Commission plans to use the SPLOST funds to construct the field and repay the loan.

During his presentation before the council, Tommy Hailey, Director of the Newton County Recreation Commission, also proposed a revision of the park's plans after talking with civil engineers. The new plan would allow for the potential to add amenities like playgrounds and parking as the county grows. It will also boast an additional 150 parking spaces and batting cages if funds allow.

"It's just a better fit for us," said Hailey.

The Miracle Field would take the place of where the football field is now at City Pond Park. Hailey said that by using the site of the old football, the new field will lend "for great views of City Pond."

While the new plan will eliminate the football field, Hailey said that the county still had two other football fields to use and that it could use the money intended for the football field could be used for other parks.

"We believe this is the best alternative for this site," said Hailey.

According to Hailey, the projected timetable for beginning construction on Miracle League Field could be as early as September or October of this year.