Article by Kara Schwalbe

Photos by Arianna Skoog 

A Life That Inspired a Movement 

Landon Smith was born on June 5, 1995, with Spina Bifida. While the condition resulted in paralysis and numerous medical hurdles, Landon was, at his core, just a boy who loved baseball. He was known for his sharp wit, sense of humor, and “Landonisms” that make those who knew him still smile and chuckle to this day.  

Though Landon passed away in 2013, his spirit and memory remain a driving force in Billings. His parents, Marcie and Scott Smith, established the Landon’s Legacy Foundation (LLF) to ensure that children and adults of all abilities have the opportunity to enhance their lives through play.  

A Vision Becomes Reality 

Located at the southwest corner of Poly Vista Park, the Landon’s Legacy complex is much more than a typical city park. It’s the realization of a deeply held vision. It features a fully accessible baseball field, a specialized playground, and a pavilion and splash pad to be constructed soon. Billings Parks and Recreation donated the land and currently manages the park, but the Foundation, in partnership with the city, directed the vision, funding, design, and construction. 

“Wounded Warriors can play kickball with their kids on the Miracle Field, and senior citizens can play whiffleball. It’s for every age,” says Marcie. “People think mostly of special needs kids, but maybe the dad is the one who’s in the wheelchair. Now he has the opportunity to play with his kids,” adds DeAnn Visser, Capital Campaign Manager for LLF. The complex allows siblings to play together and families to have everything they need in one place. 

While many places may describe themselves as “accessible,” the Smith family knew firsthand that true inclusion is in the details. Determined to do it right, the Foundation poured its heart and soul into making this a place where everyone can move about freely, play with others without stigma, and be cared for outside the home. 

The Infrastructure of Inclusion 

To the casual observer, the park catches your eye with its beautiful signage, larger-than-life baseball décor, and clean appearance. But it’s the specific equipment and thoughtful design that make it truly special. 

• The Surface: A continuous, flat surface allows anyone with a walker or wheelchair to move freely throughout the park on their own. The rubber surface is also latex-free, so those who have latex allergies need not worry.  
• Equitable Play: A wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round and see-saw allow kids in chairs to play alongside their peers. Many slides are designed to be reached without ladders, and various swing styles offer support for every need.   
• Sensory Retreat: For those feeling overstimulated, the music garden offers an immersive, calming escape steps from the main action.  
• Dignity in the Details: Other thoughtful additions include an adult-sized lift in the restroom, a rare but vital feature for families. The upcoming covered pavilion will include electrical outlets to support medical equipment or community gatherings, and the splashpad will include benches for cooling off in the summer heat. Once complete, the entire area will be fully fenced with only one entrance for added safety and peace of mind. 

Stepping Up to the Plate: The Miracle League 

  The heart of the complex is the Miracle Field, home to the Miracle League of Billings (also managed by Billings Parks and Recreation). The Miracle League’s founding belief is simple: “Everyone deserves a chance to play baseball.” Here, the “crack of the bat” is followed by the sight of athletes of all ages rounding the bases. 

Games are held on Saturday mornings each spring and fall, with the adult league starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the youth league. The community is always invited to fill the stands, grab some concessions, and cheer on the athletes. You can even volunteer as a “buddy” to assist players on the field.  

The Walk-Off: A Community Effort 

This project has been a 13-year labor of love. “By and large, this project has been funded by $50 checks and generous local donations,” says DeAnn, “It was truly a community effort.” She also notes that donations to the Landon’s Legacy Foundation go directly to the project, so every dollar counts.   

Phase 1 (the field) and Phase 2 (the playground) are now complete. Phase 3 (the splash pad and pavilion) is still dependent on fundraising, but DeAnn is optimistic. With support from the City of Billings and another fundraising push, construction could be complete by the end of summer 2027. 

The project at Poly Vista Park may be nearing completion, but the work of creating inclusive play opportunities is only just beginning. The Foundation’s board is exploring ways to share its expertise with other communities and continue raising funds for future projects.  

"Landon's Legacy complex is the quintessential example of a successful public-private partnership,” says Gavin Woltjer, Director of Billings Parks and Recreation. "It's an amazing space that was created through the hard work and generosity of so many people.” Thanks to an unwavering commitment to Landon’s memory, Billings now has a new gold standard for what a park should be.   

Get Involved Ready to help Landon’s Legacy reach home plate?  Check out their website at landonslegacy.com or email DeAnn@landonslegacy.com for more info.  

Originally printed in the June 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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