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ACWORTH - The Acworth Police Department wants to cover the bases so all of the community's children can participate at the city's Sports Complex.

"'Covering the bases' has a double meaning," Capt. Wayne Dennard said. "One meaning is we'll be running the bases all night. But the other meaning refers to the one group of children left out in most sports complexes - special needs children. There are a lot of special-needs children whose bases aren't covered. We want to show them that they're covered here."

The department will set up a baseball diamond at the complex on the site of the future special-needs baseball field. And starting at 5 p.m. May 9, they'll make sure someone is running the bases for 24 hours straight.

Anyone can participate, Dennard said. Participants will collect pledges for the time they run the bases, he said.

A dunk tank and other entertainment will keep attendees going when they aren't on base. There will also be $1 raffle tickets for items including a spa gift basket, restaurant gift certificates, flower arrangements and electronics.

Dennard hopes the event will bring in a couple thousand dollars to help build the field. The city has about $820,000 of the estimated $950,000 cost. The field will feature cushioned, synthetic turf that is more easily navigated by children using wheelchairs or walkers and those with other disabilities.

Acworth Parks and Recreation already sponsors a summer baseball league for children with special needs. For the past few years, the children have played on the regular baseball fields while they await their own field.

Dennard, who helps coach in the league, said his players cannot wait for this year's summer league to start on June 7.

"To see those children have a good time and to see the parents watch their children participate, it's a blessing for the parents, children and people involved," he said.

Lt. Mark Cheatham is among the officers who have helped organize "Covering the Bases."

"It's a good cause," Cheatham said. "If I had children with special needs, I would hope they had something like this."

For more information, call the Acworth Police Department at (770) 974-1232.

ahungerford@mdjonline.com

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