Northwoods League Foundation to fund latest ballpark improvement

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters announced today that plans to build an Interactive Accessible Seating Area at Witter Field, which would be ready for the 2014 season, have received a favorable recommendation from the City's Finance and Property Committee and the project will now go to the full Council for approval on April 15th.  The addition of this new venue would be made possible by the Northwoods League Foundation, which would provide funding for the project. The Northwoods League Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to utilize the game of baseball to enrich the quality of life for children and families with an enduring and caring focus on Northwoods League communities.  

“The Northwoods League Foundation and its Board of Directors are pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking venue for the physically impaired,” said President Dick Radatz, Jr. “We hope it is a preview of what can be accomplished in our venues and beyond.”

A concrete patio would be connected to the existing grandstand on the first base side to serve as the new Interactive Accessible Seating Area.  The platform would be level with the existing walkway on the first-base side of the stadium for easy access from the main grandstand.  Also included would be an ADA compliant ramp with a landing pad that would wrap alongside and behind the existing grandstand.

To make this one of the most unique venues in all of sports, the following amenities would be available in this area to accommodate people with varying disabilities and allow them to enjoy the game:

• Room for 16 handicap accessible spaces or companion seats.
• iPads for ordering concessions and viewing the Northwoods League webcast at the touch of a built-in link on the device.

   

  • Each device would be protected with a weather proof cover.
  • Wait service would be provided on a nightly basis.
• Complimentary head-phones would be available in the area that would plug into each iPad and sync with the live broadcast for the hearing impaired.
• Drink rail for the iPad and concessions items.
• Installation of a high-visibility net that will protect both fans in the new area and fans in the Riverview Family Clinic Fan Zone.

Witter Field, which was built in 1949, has less than ideal handicap accessible seating in its current configuration.  Some of the issues include:

• The existing ramp has been grandfathered in; however, it runs too long without a flat, landing space and is too steep to meet modern code requirements.
• The existing accessible seating area is in front of the first row of seating on the first base side of the ballpark.
• All sight lines in the area are obstructed due to the fact that the seating area is at the same level and behind the main walkway of the stadium. 
• Current companion seats are either in bleacher seats behind the accessible seating or folding chairs placed next to the wheelchair locations.
• The current configuration is a deterrent to handicapped fans attending games and creates congestion in the walkway which hinders the overall ballpark experience.

 “I want to thank the Northwoods League Foundation for their support on this proposed addition to Witter Field,” said Rafters general manager John Fanta. “This would be one of the most accommodating venues for the physically impaired in all of sports and we are fortunate to provide this opportunity in Wisconsin Rapids.”

Tickets for the new Accessible Seating Area would be the same price, $7, as handicap seating has been in the past.

###

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.