The Carroll community has joined forces with the surrounding ones and rallied around a project that began with a simple idea about three years ago from the parents of a little boy who was born with a condition similar to cerebral palsy. Now, that idea has bloomed into a reality and Carroll WILL be seeing the construction of Kellan’s Kingdom within the next year. The all-inclusive playground is designed for children of all physical and developmental levels. Pat and Alie Tigges have been the driving force behind the project and they say they are amazed at how quickly the residents have come together to make this happen. And now, they are exploring ways to bring more to that original idea. Pat says they were approached about the possibility of incorporating a baseball/softball field as a part of the Miracle League.
The Tigges have conducted a phone interview and submitted an application for the Miracle League. The next step was taken at a meeting Monday night with the Carroll Parks and Recreation board.
Tigges adds however, they want to explore a variety of options and get feedback from the people in those neighborhoods before landing on any one location. The goal, he says, is to make sure it is all placed in the best site possible. Pat can’t say enough about the community’s support, and that what they have received for Kellan’s Kingdom has been phenomenal. They have reached their $100,000 goal in just around six months, with more fundraising activities still planned. The Carroll and Kuemper girls’ basketball teams are hosting a fundraiser at their game and Pat says they are overwhelmed by the number of people who jump in and host events for this project. He says they will continue to raise funds for equipment placement in other parks as well as for this expansion with the ball field; something both he and Alie say surpasses their hopes and dreams.
Pat adds that even though he has said them a thousand times since starting this journey, there are things that bear repeating.
The next step in the process will be for Pat and Alie to approach the Carroll City Council to talk about possible city funding for a portion of the field, and most importantly to find the location. Construction on the playground portion of Kellan’s Kingdom is expected to begin next spring.
