Fund-raising for the Field

of Hope, a handicapped-accessible baseball field under construction in

Peachtree City, is entering the home stretch, according to organizer Nick

Harris.

The program was recently boosted

from the Delta Pilots Association, Harris said. Even smaller donations,

like a recent $600 check from the St. Andrew's in the Pines Episcopal

Church, are helping make progress, Harris said.

An estimated $80,000 is still

needed, and Harris is confident the need will be met. He hopes to have

enough left over to build an all-accessible playground on the site and

organizers are asking the city to build a second field nearby for Little

League T-ball and an adult masters program. A second field would also

allow the city to host the Special Olympics event here in the future,

Harris said.

The total tab, including the

second field, is at $720,000.

"It's going to be

a total facility," Harris said. "We're pretty excited."

The field is located at the

city's baseball and soccer complex on Ga. Highway 74 South. The curbing

has been put in place and workers this week have been focusing on laying

the asphalt where the field's surface will be.

The field will feature a rubberized

surface so youths in wheelchairs and walkers can play without hindrance.

"It looks like a baseball

field now," Harris said Wednesday.

Opening day for the facility

is set for Saturday, April 17.

Anyone wishing to contribute

funds can contribute at any Bank of Georgia location in Peachtree City

to the attention of Jim Daughtry or by mailing Harris directly at 203

Kentwood Dr., Peachtree City, Ga. 30269.