Hall County Field of Dreams “Phil Niekro Field” made its debut on Nov. 12 when the field’s baseball Hall of Fame namesake threw out the first pitch. The field and playground, designed for children with physical and developmental disabilities, is now ready for play, according to Hall County Parks and Leisure Services Director Greg Walker.

The idea was born five years ago during a conversation on a picnic bench at Aqualand Marina, former Atlanta Braves pitcher and Flowery Branch resident Phil Niekro said. After the Field of Dreams gained support in the community, the Hall County Board of Commissioners approved some seed money for the special field in January 2006.

“The Hall County Commission office really grabbed the bull by the horns and took off with it,” Niekro said.

The state of Georgia, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, the North Georgia Community Foundation, the Atlanta Braves Foundation and many other individuals raised money for the field.

“I think it’s just great that we can have this for our children. And all of you who have made donations have made this possible, and I want to thank you,” District 3 Commissioner Steve Gailey said.

“We want to thank these folks for their hard work and willingness to pull together to improve the quality of life for Hall County residents,” Parks Advisory Board member Butch Miller said.

The sports complex is located at Alberta Banks Park, 5575 Jim Crow Road, Flowery Branch, GA. For more information about the Field of Dreams, please contact 770-535-8280 or visit hallcounty.org.