Carolina Panthers Charities, the charitable arm of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, announced a $200,000 grant to support Rock Hill’s Miracle Park Tuesday (June 8). And Nicole Tepper announced an additional $500,000 from the Tepper Foundation!
Miracle Park, set to open its first phase this summer, is an inclusive place in Rock Hill where people with all different abilities can participate in a full-range of sports.
The gift announcement was made at the park by Riley Fields and Nicole Tepper at a gathering of local officials, major donors and future users of the facility.
“This major commitment from the Panthers is a significant boost to making the Miracle Park dream come true. Dave and Nicole Tepper’s interest in our area is shown time and time again,” said David Williams, president of Williams & Fudge in Rock Hill and a member of the Miracle Park leadership team.
“Miracle Park will help set a new standard for accessible play and recreation and it is our privilege to support its mission,” said Riley Fields, director of community relations for the Carolina Panthers. Building the 15-acre park is being coordinated by the York County Disabilities Foundation which supports the activities of MaxAbilities of York County. That organization cares for over 1,500 individuals in the area with special needs, providing housing, vocational supports, early intervention and in-home services.
Now, Approximately $5.5 million has been raised to date to complete all phases of the $8 million project.
Major donors to Miracle Park are the City of Rock Hill, Comporium, Cunningham Recreation, Founders Federal Credit Union, Leitner Construction Company, Morehead Brothers, Inc., Warren Norman Company, Rock Hill Coca-Cola, Stevenson-Weir, Inc., Williams & Fudge, Winthrop University, York County Natural Gas and Springs-Close interests (Springs Close Foundation, Springsteen Foundation, Springs Creative and family members).
The land for the park was made available by the City of Rock Hill and Winthrop University. Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will maintain and operate the park. The park will attract regional and national tournaments, including those affiliated with the National Miracle League and Special Olympics. Miracle Park is on track to be the first park in the world to meet the criteria to be Universal Design certified which sets it apart from anything else.
Per Release