County of Brant and Paris Youth Softball Association celebrate new batting cage at Pete Lavoie Park

Brenda Bishop (left), County of Brant Mayor David Bailey (centre) and Paris Youth Softball Association Executive Member Nathan Smith (right) cut the ribbon to officially open the new Brenda Bishop and Family Batting Cage at Pete Lavoie Park on September 18.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The crack of the bat echoed through Pete Lavoie Park, a rarity for this time of year, as the County of Brant and Paris Youth Softball Association (PYSA) celebrated the grand opening of the Brenda Bishop and Family Batting Cage on September 18.

The $26,000 facility was made possible entirely through the fundraising efforts of PYSA and the generosity of sole donor Brenda Bishop and family. While the association spearheaded the vision and raised the funds, the batting cage will become a County-owned and operated amenity.

“This project is a perfect example of community partnerships at work,” said Brant County Councillor Christine Garneau. The dedication of PYSA, combined with the generosity of the Bishop family, has created a lasting recreational resource for athletes and residents across Brant.

The County has committed to covering additional costs for signage and maintenance through its 2025 operational budget, ensuring no added expense for taxpayers. Future rental fees, collected under the County’s Facility Allocation Policy, will be directed toward the upkeep of the batting cage. Rental rates have not yet been confirmed.

In recognition of the association’s leadership, PYSA will be permitted to display club sponsorship signage in a designated area near the cage. For PYSA Executive Member Nate Smith, the project represents more than just new infrastructure.

“Softball is thriving in Paris, and this batting cage gives our players a space to develop their skills year-round,” said Smith. “We are so grateful to Brenda Bishop and her family for making this possible, and to the County for working with us to bring the vision to life.”

The new batting cage is the latest addition to Pete Lavoie Park, which has recently undergone significant upgrades to serve as a hub for community recreation. Construction officially began May 1, 2025, with the cage now ready to welcome both PYSA members and the broader public.