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High Point Miracle League is urging residents to walk, run and cycle for a good cause Oct. 18 during its Tour for a Miracle fundraiser.

The funds are for Miracle League Field of the Triad, a field for special-needs children slated for construction across from A. J. Simeon Stadium in High Point's athletic complex.

"We are elated," said Ed Price, fundraiser co-chairman. "Our vision was that we'd have a field for special needs children in the same place as other children play. We don't want them to feel like they are different than anyone else."

The effort got a major boost Oct. 2 when Guilford County commissioners approved $100,000 for the park. That grant, along with a $75,000 matching grant from an anonymous donor and other donations put a huge dent in the park costs.

At least $20,000 is needed to cover all costs associated with the ball park, said Robin Russell, president of High Point Regional Association of Realtors, which is sponsoring the fundraiser along with the High Point Area Builders Association.

"In addition to the field, we will also have a playground with equipment that is safe for special-needs children to use," Price said.

The park will include proper lighting at the baseball and soccer fields and sheltered dugouts to allow evening activities because some children's medical conditions won't allow for them to be out in the hot sun, Price said.

The city of High Point donated the land for the field, he said.

The park will serve 15,000 children from in and around the High Point area, Price said.

The only other Miracle Field in the state is in Cary.

The walk/run events will begin every 15 minutes after 8 a.m.

The fundraiser will be followed by a ground breaking at noon on the site of the future park.

Contact Adria Hairston at 883-4422 Ext. 244 or adria.hairston@news-record.com