Recently, Chaska’s Park and Recreation Department partnered with the Chaska Cubs to host a night game at Historic Chaska Athletic Park. The primary focus of the event was on Adaptive Programming that is provided by Park and Recreation, to support the needs and interests of players with disabilities. 

Erin Link is the recreation manager for the Chaska Parks and Recreation Department and leads the efforts for adaptive recreation. She expressed the excitement the athletes had as they practiced before the game and then went onto the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game.

“With a background in Therapeutic Recreation, a highlight of my job is creating opportunities for people with disabilities to explore interests, gain new skills, increase confidence and build relationships with others,” Link said. “Through this work, I’ve witnessed people shine — those with and without disabilities. The inclusion shared among players and volunteers is truly magical, where everyone involved wins.”

She said growth and learning happen on all sides, strengthening not just individuals, but the entire community.

“I look forward to a future where terms like ‘inclusion,’ ‘adaptive,’ and ‘disability’ are no longer necessary — where every person is recognized simply for their unique abilities and personality,” she added.

Nate Bostrom, Cubs board member and vice president of marketing and promotions, heads up the partnering effort for the Cubs and confirmed how pleased everyone associated with the Cubs was to have these athletes with disabilities join in the pre-game festivities. 

“The Cubs Board of Directors is committed to creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere at Historic Chaska Athletic Park,” Bostrom said. “To this end, we’ve intentionally scheduled a mix of nonprofit, for-profit, and civic organizations as hosts and/or sponsors for each Cubs home game.” 

This intentional effort by the Cubs began as a collaboration with the CAP agency during the 2023 season and carried over into the 2024 season. But now, in 2025, things have really changed.

Known as “Cubs Celebrate Community,” this vision has grown exponentially, and the Cubs have partnered with 24 organizations this season.

“The results speak for themselves,” Bostrom said. “Over the last three seasons, the fundraising and community-building has produced over $11,000 in donations of cash, non-perishable food and personal hygiene items.” 

As the “Cubs Celebrate Community,” the growing crowds of spectators are learning about volunteer service opportunities, making charitable donations to local non-profits, getting to know their neighbors, and building community together.

One of the shared goals of Chaska’s Park and Recreation Department and the Chaska Cubs is the desire to build community – one that is inclusive of every person. The game between the Cubs and Green Isle Irish on June 24 resulted not just in a Cubs victory alone, it was a testimonial to that shared goal and commitment.

Each athlete left the game that night with a Chaska Cubs shirt that they were excited to receive, and proud to wear.