SCRANTON, Pa. — The Lackawanna County Challenger Division in Scranton is celebrating new things to come to this clubhouse at the Harmon Field sports complex.
This gathering was to announce that this fall, renovations will begin on the bathrooms here to transform them into a space that will provide necessary facilities for players with special needs.
"So now if a child comes, let's say they need medication or they need a feeding tube or a colostomy bag change, they need medical attention. They actually have to leave the field, they have to leave the grounds, they can't finish the game, they can't participate in the after-game festivities. Now, because of the clubhouse, they can receive medical attention here and get right back out on the game! Play baseball, participate in our nation's pastime, and participate in the aftergame festivities," said Joe Riccardo, 2nd Vice President Scranton Rotary Club.
The Lackawanna County Challenger Division and Rotary Club teamed up with the state to get the project moving forward.
"I mean, I remember playing here 30 years ago, and, uh, you know, the clubhouse sort of looks exactly the same as it did then, so it needs some improvement, and it'll be good for not only the Challenger Little League but for Harmon Field Little League as well," said State Rep. Kyle Donahue, (D) Pennsylvania's 113th District.
Parents of the players who utilize the field say these changes will make future seasons much easier.
"Even in the community, we need this need for children who are special needs, not just those who are in the league here, but anybody in this community can come down and enjoy the facilities and have fun," said Vincenza Glynn, Challenger League Parent & Treasurer.
"It will also be second as a disaster zone area in case the community needs somewhere to rally and meet. We have a bathroom, lights, USB ports, wifi, and electricity here so," said Coach Steve, Lackawanna Challenger Division.
To further celebrate the announcement about the upcoming changes, the challenger players played a game complete with a home run.