In 1886, Mr. Joel D. Murphree, Sr., deeded land on the north side of the City of Troy, and in 1912, the City of Troy built a swimming pool. Mrs. Allie Murphree Carroll, daughter of Mr. Murphree, contributed generously to the construction of the pool, with the understanding that the property formerly owned by her father always be known as Murphree Park.

Thus was the birth of Murphree Park, Troy’s largest – and celebrating its 100th birthday this year – most historic and popular park.

A century later, the people of Troy are once again coming together to build a new park for our community, with the center-piece of the park being a new playground.

The Troy Miracle League Field opened in the summer of 2011, and the growth, support and love for the Troy Miracle League has been incredible. Every game at least 50 volunteers show up to serve as “buddies” for the Miracle League players with special needs, double the amount actually needed.

There are some 127 Miracle League Fields in America, and approximately 25 Miracle League playgrounds.

It is the goal and soon-to-be-reality that the Troy Miracle League will also have a new Miracle League playground.

As the Miracle League field has given children with special needs the opportunity to play baseball in an organized setting for the first time, this Miracle League playground will allow children of all needs and all abilities to play side-by-side. Imagine the joy of a child that is able to go down a slide for the first time.

A rubberized safety surface will allow children with walkers, wheelchairs and other special needs to go to the various transfer stations on the playground without obstacles. Double-wide ramps will allow children in wheelchairs to travel through the playground structure easily. Various activity panels and playground structural features are designed to capture the attention and generate creativity among all children, but are especially engineered for children with Autism and other special needs.

The Troy Miracle League, the City of Troy, Troy University and the Troy Exchange Club are equally coordinating efforts to bring the community together to make this playground a reality. A grant received from the state of Alabama and LWCF is a big step, but is less than 25-percent of the total cost expected for the safety surface and playground structure.

A Miracle Field playground committee will be attempting to harness the energy and enthusiasm of our local businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, and every citizen of Troy, to consider making a contribution. We believe every dollar is just as important as the next, meaning, a $10 donation is just as important and appreciated as a $1,000 donation.

The committee will be working hard after the holidays, but the generosity and support thus far has been outstanding. However, there is still a long way to go.

If you are an individual or have the means through your local business, church, or organization, please consider a fund raiser or the potential of making a one-time contribution to this cause.

You can contact Troy Parks and Recreation for more information on how to give.

All of us have childhood memories of being on a playground, and today we see that joy again through the excitement of children and grandchildren. Today, 100 years after the Murphrees gave their generous contribution to our community, another group is coming together to build something for the future of our children, and our city.

Please help us in making this a reality.

 

Dan Smith

Director

Troy Parks and Recreation