Renovated Miracle League Field at San Dieguito County Park is renamed Padres Park in Del Mar
A renovated, fully accessible diamond for athletes with special needs
A newly renovated baseball field at San Dieguito County Park in Del Mar has been renamed Padres Park, marking a new phase for a long-running local program that provides organized baseball for children and adults with special needs.
The facility has served as a home field for the Miracle League of San Diego since it opened in 2007. The site was originally funded by Dan and Suzie Engel and operated for years as Engel Family Field, one of the earliest fully accessible ballfields of its kind in Southern California.
What changed: upgrade work and a new partnership identity
The renaming follows a county-approved agreement to upgrade the field and formalize a partnership among San Diego County, the Miracle League of San Diego, the San Diego Padres, and the Padres Foundation. The renovation included replacement of the field’s rubberized surface with a material designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and better support wheelchairs and mobility aids while improving overall safety and playability.
The updated field also adds Padres branding, reflecting a relationship that includes financial support and on-field participation by players and alumni during events.
Funding: public and private dollars combined
The renovation was funded through a blend of community fundraising and public investment. The Miracle League of San Diego raised $600,000 toward the project. That total included $310,000 in donations, $250,000 from the Padres Foundation, and $40,000 provided through the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program tied to County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s office. The remaining $250,000 is being covered through the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation budget.
- $600,000 raised by the Miracle League of San Diego (including Padres Foundation support and private donations)
- $250,000 from the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation budget
Ribbon-cutting and the league’s 2026 schedule
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Padres Park was held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with local officials, Padres representatives, and families participating. The event included ceremonial remarks and a game featuring Miracle League players and Padres involvement.
The Miracle League of San Diego is scheduled to open its Spring 2026 season with games beginning at its Bell Middle School location on February 28, 2026. Padres Park is set to begin games on March 7, 2026, with full schedules across locations beginning the weekend of March 14, 2026.
Padres Park is intended to operate as an inclusive field where players of varied abilities can participate in organized baseball with support from volunteers and buddies.
Why the field matters locally
Miracle League games are structured around accessibility and support, pairing each athlete with a “buddy” volunteer for on-field assistance tailored to individual needs. With the renovation completed and the new Padres Park name in place, the Del Mar field is positioned to continue hosting seasonal play while emphasizing safety, wheelchair usability, and an experience designed for athletes who often face barriers to participating in traditional leagues.
Padres Park is located at 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Del Mar, within San Dieguito County Park.