DALTON, Ga. — After vandals damaged one of the enduring symbols of the Whitfield County Miracle League Field at Westside Park, many believed the community would rally behind one of its favorite projects.

The oversized decorative baseball — at one time a display piece of the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field — was damaged earlier this month after being knocked off its pedestal at the Miracle Field, where allows special-needs children and adults can play baseball. The ball was cracked and dented. Scratches were visible along much of the surface.

But less than two weeks later, the community responded and the ball has been repaired, refurbished and given a new landscaped perimeter for what has been a popular photo spot for families, fans and players.

“It looks more beautiful than ever,” said Millie Hicks, Miracle League co-director. “You can’t even tell there was anything wrong with the ball. It is absolutely perfect. The new landscaping adds so much to it, and it will bring so much joy and happiness to our players when we get back to the fall season and we can all enjoy it together.”

Local vehicle repair shop Ken’s CarStar Body Works repaired and repainted the ball. The dent was shaped out and the hole was welded, and workers in the paint shop gave the ball a completely new paint job.

Signs 4 Less in Rocky Face completed the work on the ball by putting a new logo for the Miracle League on the ball. When the ball was placed back on its pedestal at Westside Park, volunteers from the local Home Depot built a small retaining wall around the ball and filled it with rocks.

“We are beyond grateful for the members of the community that have stepped up to help repair our beloved baseball,” Hicks said. “It is an iconic piece for us that could not be replaced, and we are so blessed to have a community that supports the Miracle League and our players. They have taken what was a negative situation and turned it into a positive. It is a blessing for us to have it back and so beautiful.”

The Miracle League fall season is scheduled to begin on Sept. 7, and while the park is used by some of the league’s participants year-round and families can host parties in the park’s pavilion, Hicks said they are considering some sort of celebration for the repair of the ball, possibly with a family movie night at the field.

And when crowds return to the field, they will have their favorite photo spot back, just like county recreation director Brian Chastain said they would.

“It is kind of amazing and it just impresses you and touches your heart all at the same time,” he said. “This community always rises to the occasion when there is a need and they did. Especially for those kids, the community loves this project and it shows.”