By Tracy McCormick-Dishman
Families and athletes in St. Johns County are now enjoying significant upgrades to the Field of Dreams baseball facility at Aberdeen Park following the completion of a $1,513,800 expansion project.
The disability-friendly complex, located at 1401 Shetland Drive, recently debuted its new amenities, which include a sprawling concession building featuring ADA-accessible restrooms and a significantly expanded parking lot. The project, awarded to Saboungi Construction Inc., represents the culmination of a journey that began when the construction contract was approved by the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners in April 2025, followed by a groundbreaking in May.
The facility serves as the headquarters for the Field of Dreams (FOD) Baseball League, a sustainable voluntary organization dedicated to providing a safe, ADA-certified environment for children of all ages with mental or physical disabilities. Through the league, participants play baseball at no cost, allowing them to experience the hallmarks of the sport: wearing an official uniform, having their names announced over the loudspeaker, participating in the singing of the national anthem before each game and being a valued member of an athletic team.
Co-founders George Vancore and Chuck Forcier established the league to ensure every child has the opportunity to be a player. The recent investment by the county underscores a commitment to all-inclusive recreation, ensuring the facility remains a thriving hub for the association’s growing membership.
The completion of the project was recently marked by a gathering of local officials and community leaders, including St. Johns County Commissioners Clay Murphy and Christian Whitehurst, Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jamie Baccari. Marithza Ross, executive director of the St. Johns County Parks Foundation, also highlighted the project as a milestone for the region’s accessible infrastructure.
In addition to the baseball facility, Aberdeen Park offers an all-inclusive, ADA-accessible playground, making it a premier destination for inclusive play in North Florida.
