The Greater Lafayette Little League's inaugural season will begin soon, and in preparation for opening day, volunteers met to clean up local ball fields.
100 Black Men of Greater Lafayette, Kiwanis Southwest, Lafayette Police and Fire Departments, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, and Super 1 Willow St. location employees participated in the cleanup.
Volunteers painted, pressure washed, and cleaned up the baseball and softball fields and park area at Brown Park on E Pont Des Mouton. After the work was finished, volunteers assessed the park to see what, if anything, else could be done to beautify the area.
Organizers say every child should have the opportunity to play baseball and softball at a clean and attractive park.
"It's a team effort. It's no doubt that the partners that we have have graciously come out to spend their time out here just to make sure when our kids start playing in a couple of weeks that they are playing in a nice facility, well-groomed, looking bright," explained Walter Guillory, athletic supervisor for Lafayette Parks and Rec.
Guillory added that volunteers were hoping to lead by example and show children in the community that they are cared for. They also wanted to let parents know that their children would be playing ball in a safe, family-oriented environment.
The LCG Parks and Recreation Department formed the Greater Lafayette Little League to expand baseball and softball opportunities for youth in Lafayette and nearby parishes. The league encompasses several parishes, including Acadia, St. Landry, and St. Martin.
Opening ceremonies at Brown Park are planned for next weekend; more than 1,000 parents and children are expected. The same weekend, a cleanup will be held at a park in Carencro.
Guillory said those childrens' smiles will be worth all the hard work done Saturday and everyday leading up to the start of the league's season.
"Absolutely. That's the reward you get."
For more information about the Greater Lafayette Little League, contact Lafayette Parks and Recreation Athletics Supervisor Walter Guillory, (337) 291-8375 or wguillory@lafayettela.gov.
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