The Adaptive Sports Complex recently opened in South St. Louis County through a collaborative effort between the St. Louis Cardinals’ charitable foundation Cardinals Care, Gateway Region YMCA, Boniface Foundation, and Miracle League.
KAI, an African American owned architecture, engineering, and construction firm, played a crucial role in bringing this unique project to life by providing architecture, MEP engineering, and project management services.
The $5.5 million South County YMCA complex is the first in Missouri and one of only 46 in the United States. This state-of-the-art complex offers children with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of playing sports in an inclusive environment.
The complex includes a custom-designed Miracle League baseball field featuring a cushioned, barrier-free surface and accessible dugouts to accommodate players of all abilities. The field captures the essence of Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, complete with a silhouette of the iconic Gateway Arch in the outfield.
“This project is a wonderful representation of what KAI is really built to do,” said KAI CEO Michael B. Kennedy.
“It’s our mission to drive the concept of transforming communities outside the mainstream for those who may not have the same amenities taken for granted by other groups. This is a perfect example of that, when you have an entire facility built on a regional and national scale that is really driven for adaptive use where everybody can participate and have fun
“We’re thrilled to be involved and look forward to seeing the complex thrive and fulfill the vision we and the owners have for this remarkable facility.”
The complex also is home to a soccer field, running track, outdoor fitness area, playground, office space, concession building, covered pavilion, family-style restrooms, and parking – all designed with accessibility as a top priority.