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5 Inspiring Facts About The RWJBH Field Of Dreams: The Nation's Premier Inclusive Complex

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The RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams in Toms River, New Jersey, is more than just a sports complex; it is a profound testament to a father's love and a community's commitment to radical inclusion. As of late 2025, this 3.5-acre complex continues to operate as the premier inclusive recreation facility in the United States, serving thousands of families and setting a new standard for accessibility.

The facility’s ongoing success is rooted in a deeply personal story of overcoming adversity, transforming a tragedy into a beacon of hope for individuals with special needs and their families. This article dives into the five most inspiring and essential facts you need to know about this groundbreaking destination.

The Founders' Story: Christian and Gavin Kane's Inspiring Journey

The entire concept of the RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams is built upon the life-changing experience of the Kane family: Christian, Mary, and their son, Gavin.

Gavin Kane's Profile and the Origin Story

  • Inspiration: Gavin Kane, the son of Christian and Mary Kane.
  • Date of Accident: July 12, 2012.
  • The Event: Christian Kane and his 19-month-old son, Gavin, were involved in a devastating car accident.
  • The Result: The accident left young Gavin with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
  • The Challenge: As Gavin grew, his parents struggled to find recreational facilities where he could play alongside his peers without limitations. Traditional playgrounds and sports fields were simply not designed for his needs or adaptive equipment.

Christian Kane's Profile and Mission

  • Role: Founder and driving force behind the complex.
  • Profession: Christian Kane is a dedicated math teacher at Toms River High School North.
  • The Vision: In 2018, Christian and Mary set out on a five-year mission to build a sports complex and playground that intentionally addressed the physical and social inclusion of people of all ages and abilities.
  • Fundraising Success: The Kanes spearheaded a massive community effort, personally raising an incredible $3.6 million to turn their dream into a reality.
  • Complex Name: The facility is officially known as the RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams at the Ocean Orthopedic Associates Complex.

1. A Truly Inclusive Design: Facilities for Every Ability

The complex, spanning 3.5 acres in Toms River, NJ, is celebrated as the premier inclusive recreation complex in the USA because its design goes far beyond simple accessibility.

Every element was intentionally designed to be fully accessible for wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, and individuals with various sensory or physical disabilities. The focus is on providing a space where the special needs community can engage in physical activity and social interaction without barriers.

Key Inclusive Facilities and Amenities

  • Adaptive Playground: A spectacular, state-of-the-art playground designed with features that accommodate all mobility levels.
  • Baseball Field: A dedicated baseball field built with surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and adaptive sports.
  • Basketball Court: A fully accessible court for wheelchair basketball and other adaptive sports.
  • Miniature Golf Course: A 9-hole miniature golf course that is completely wheelchair accessible.
  • Bocce Courts: Dedicated courts for bocce, a low-impact sport popular among individuals of all abilities.
  • Community Gardens: Inclusive community garden designs allow members to participate in therapeutic outdoor activities.

2. A Hub of Fresh and Current Programming (2025 Updates)

The Field of Dreams is a dynamic community center, not a static playground. Its programming is continually updated to offer therapeutic, recreational, and social opportunities for its growing membership, which includes over 1,700 special needs families.

As of 2025, the complex hosts a diverse lineup of events and structured programs that support the physical, mental, and social well-being of its participants.

Featured Programs and Events

  • Young Athletes Program: A specific program for children aged 2-7, often run in partnership with organizations like Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ), focusing on foundational sports skills and social development.
  • Unified Sports: The complex frequently hosts Unified Sports events, such as Unified Football, where individuals with and without intellectual disabilities play together on the same team.
  • Seasonal Events: The complex calendar is filled with holiday celebrations, themed days, and family fun events to foster a strong sense of community.
  • Therapeutic Activities: Programs often include activities like adaptive yoga, movement classes, and therapeutic recreation sessions designed by specialists.

3. A Model for Community-Driven Fundraising and Partnership

The success of the RWJBH Field of Dreams is a case study in effective public-private partnership and grassroots fundraising. The initial $3.6 million raised by the Kane family demonstrated an overwhelming level of community support.

The facility's official name, the RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams, highlights its major partnership with one of New Jersey's leading health systems, RWJBarnabas Health, which is committed to building a healthier New Jersey.

Beyond the primary sponsor, the project received significant support from government and local organizations, including a substantial State grant of $400,000 to help with completion.

4. The Mission: Physical and Social Inclusion

The ultimate goal of the complex is to eliminate the isolation often felt by special needs individuals and their families. The facility is not just about physical recreation; it’s about providing a safe and welcoming environment for social inclusion.

The Field of Dreams serves as a critical community resource, offering families a place where they can connect, share experiences, and build a support network. This social aspect is arguably as important as the physical amenities.

5. Setting a New National Standard for Adaptive Recreation

Since its grand opening in April 2022, the RWJBH Field of Dreams has been widely recognized as a one-of-a-kind destination.

The complex is now viewed as a national model for how communities can build truly inclusive spaces. Its success has inspired similar projects and conversations about adaptive recreation across the country, solidifying its status as the premier inclusive recreation complex in the USA.

The story of Christian and Gavin Kane, the $3.6 million raised, and the 1,700+ families served all underscore the profound impact of this facility. It stands as a powerful symbol that with dedication and vision, dreams of a fully inclusive world can become a vibrant, tangible reality.

5 Inspiring Facts About the RWJBH Field of Dreams: The Nation's Premier Inclusive Complex
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