New ‘Padres Park’ to bring inclusive baseball to North County
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A beloved local baseball field is getting a major upgrade — and a brand-new name.
The Miracle League of San Diego, San Diego Padres, Padres Foundation, and County of San Diego are teaming up to renovate Miracle Field at San Dieguito Park, transforming it into “Padres Park” — a fully inclusive ballfield where athletes of all abilities can play.
The $850,000 renovation, announced by county officials on Wednesday, will replace the field’s aging rubber surface with a new, state-of-the-art, ADA-compliant material designed to support wheelchairs and mobility aids, reduce fall risks and stay cool under the sun. The new field will also feature the Padres logo, marking a proud partnership between the team and the community.
Funding for the project comes from a combination of public and private support, as follows:
- $600,000 raised by the Miracle League of San Diego
- including $250,000 from the Padres Foundation
- $310,000 in community and foundation donations
- $40,000 from County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Program
- Plus $250,000 from the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation
Construction is expected to begin in December 2025 and wrap up by January 2026.
“Baseball belongs to everyone,” said Supervisor Lawson-Remer. “Padres Park will be a field where every child and adult — no matter their ability — can feel the joy of the game, the pride of their team, and the support of their community.”
Founded in 2005, the Miracle League of San Diego provides a place for more than 330 children and adults with special needs to play baseball every season. The league’s “buddy system” pairs athletes with volunteers to ensure every player has a safe and fun experience on the field.
“For nearly 20 years, the Miracle League has given players of all abilities a place to shine — to hit, to run, to celebrate, and to feel seen,” said founder Dan Engel. “Padres Park will be more than a ballfield — it will be a home for our community for another 20 years.”
Padres CEO Erik Greupner said the team and its foundation are proud to continue their long-standing partnership with the Miracle League.
“This project and partnership with the Miracle League of San Diego and San Diego County will ensure continued access to the great game of baseball for young athletes of all abilities and their families,” Greupner said.
When the new Padres Park opens next year, it will stand as a symbol of teamwork, community and inclusion — showing that in San Diego, everyone gets to play ball.
