Baltimore Kids Get New Sports Facility

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new state-of-the-art sports facility fits right in with M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards--only this one is just for kids.

Jessica Kartalija reports Baltimore's top athletes were there as Living Classrooms unveils its new facility in Patterson Park.

A hand-off to Lenny Moore and touchdown to Torrey Smith. It's a field of dreams in Baltimore City. Professional athletes from the Ravens, Orioles, Blast and Bayhawks celebrate this special day as Living Classrooms unveils their new field in Patterson Park.

"It's to provide a safe place for children to come and learn and integrate academics with sports," said James Piper Bond, CEO of Living Classrooms.

The new 5,000 square foot facility is powered by Under Armour. There's an educational building with computers and a turf field for children and families to exercise and play.

"We get to have a new field and play on it," said Adriana Isaula, Baltimore City.

"It's great to see how the field progressed and it's such a great opportunity to play on it because we really do love soccer and we love the field," said April Mitchell, Baltimore City.

Many communities will benefit from this new complex. There was a welcome ceremony with Baltimore's top brass and Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank.

"This really is a field of transformation. This is a place where moral, ethical, social, emotional values and development will take place," said Joe Ehrmann, Coach for America.

More than 1,000 students from East Baltimore schools will use the sports and education center each year.

"It's a great thing for our kids to be able to walk across the street and take part in all these great things Living Classrooms is putting on for us," said Cara Joyce, Baltimore City.

Living Classrooms Foundation works to strengthen communities and inspire young people to reach their goals through hands-on education.