(Barrie, ON) – The City of Barrie’s Batteaux Park, located at 443 Mapleton Avenue, has officially been renamed as Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala Park, in honour of a fallen Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer who called Barrie home.
Mayor Alex Nuttall, along with Councillors Nigussie Nigussie, Gary Harvey, Craig Nixon, and Ann-Marie Kungl, joined Ontario Provincial Police dignitaries, Barrie Police Service representatives, the Pierzchala family, and other special guests for a park renaming event and memorial sign unveiling this morning.
“I’m honoured to announce that Batteaux Park has been renamed in Greg’s memory ensuring his legacy will be forever remembered in his hometown,” said Mayor Nuttall. “This park is a testament to Provincial Constable Pierzchala’s dedication and commitment to the OPP’s mission and values, and I know that he served with pride, integrity, and courage.”
Greg often used Batteaux Park, as it was then called, to train. When he attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School, he participated in soccer, swimming, wrestling, rowing, and track and field. He also held a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Karate.
In Provincial Constable Pierzchala’s memory, a fitness circuit has been installed at the park, inspired by the Ontario Police College Fitness Test.
Provincial Constable Pierzchala began his career with the OPP as a Special Constable with the Queen’s Park Detachment in 2019. In 2021, he was hired as a recruit with the OPP, fulfilling his long-term dream of becoming a police officer. On December 27, 2022, Provincial Constable Pierzchala was shot and killed in the line of duty.
In June 2023, City Council approved a motion to rename Batteaux park, install fitness equipment, and hold an event to rename the park.
