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Miracle League of Columbia Unveils Plans for All-Inclusive Playground

Miracle League of Columbia Unveils Plans for All-Inclusive Playground

Issue #607

November 09, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Monday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 38, low of 20

📰 Miracle League of Columbia Unveils Plans for All-Inclusive Playground

📰 Mt. Pleasant to Hold Public Hearings on 247-Home Development Near Historic St. John’s Church

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

👉 Discover the Hidden Gems in our Community with These Local Business Spotlight Articles!

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Miracle League of Columbia Unveils Plans for All-Inclusive Playground

The Miracle League of Columbia at Maury County Park has unveiled plans for a new all-inclusive playground, a $1 million project that will sit alongside the Miracle League baseball field currently under construction. This initiative is a joint effort between The Miracle League and Maury County Parks, dedicated to expanding accessibility and inclusion for families across the region.

The playground will be named Taye’s Place in honor of Taye Ramer, nephew of Miracle League Founder and President Robin Estep. His ability to bring people together and remind others of the power of inclusion became the heart of The Miracle League’s mission — making it only fitting that this new playground carry his name.

“Taye has been the ‘why’ behind everything we’ve done,” said Robin Estep, Founding Member of The Miracle League of Columbia. “Without him, there wouldn’t be a Miracle League of Columbia. He brings such joy to everyone around him, and it’s so fitting that this playground be named in his honor. Announcing Taye’s Place truly feels like a dream come true.”

Designed by Landscape Structures, a Minnesota-based leader in inclusive playground design, Taye’s Place will feature vibrant, accessible play structures that invite children of all ages and abilities to play together. The playground’s design emphasizes both fun and functionality, ensuring an environment where everyone feels welcome.

“This playground represents so much more than play—it’s about belonging,” said Juli Beck, Board Chairman of The Miracle League of Columbia. “Its inclusive design ensures that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of play. The bright, welcoming colors will make it a centerpiece of our community.”

Taye’s Place playground will be constructed alongside the Miracle League field currently under construction on the former site of the Babe Ruth Field, a community landmark that hosted youth baseball for more than 40 years. Hewlett Spencer holds the county contract, with Bell Construction Company overseeing the build.

To make Taye’s Place a reality, The Miracle League of Columbia is calling on the community to help complete the dream. Though construction plans are underway, additional funding and donations are needed to finish the project. Every contribution—big or small—brings them one step closer to creating a space where all children, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of play. For more information about the Miracle League baseball field or Taye’s Place playground, please visit www.columbiamiracleleague.com.

Mt. Pleasant to Hold Public Hearings on 247-Home Development Near Historic St. John’s Church

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission has scheduled two public hearings on a proposed 247-home development by John Maher Builders on Trotwood Avenue, located across from Historic St. John’s Church and Polk Memorial Gardens. The hearings will take place at 6 p.m. on November 24 and 7 p.m. on December 8, with the final vote set for December 16.

The proposal calls for rezoning the 106-acre property to a higher-density residential category (R3), approving a plan of services, and annexing the property—along with nearby parcels and road sections—into the city of Mt. Pleasant.

Under the plan, the City of Mt. Pleasant would provide emergency response, waste removal, and electricity to the neighborhood. Columbia Power and Water Systems would supply potable water, while Edge Wastewater, a private company regulated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), would manage a Septic Tank-Effluent Pump (STEP) system. This system would transport wastewater from individual homes to a treatment facility at the north end of the property for processing and environmental release.

The proposal has generated significant opposition during previous public hearings. More than 60 residents have voiced concerns about traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, safety issues, and the potential impact on the area’s historic integrity. Many also cited reliability issues with STEP wastewater systems. So far, no members of the public have spoken in favor of the project.

City leaders appear divided on the issue, with some members of the commission supporting the development and others expressing strong opposition. One commissioner has stated they remain undecided ahead of the final vote.