News BREC Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Mini-Pitch at Hartley / Vey Park at Gardere

Baton Rouge, LouisianaAug 01, 2025BREC is proud to announce the grand opening of a brand-new Mini-Pitch at Hartley / Vey Park at Gardere, a community-driven project that brings safe, accessible, and engaging play opportunities to the Gardere community. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 2 at 9 a.m., celebrating the collaborative effort between BREC, local partners, and generous sponsors who made this project possible. The ribbon cutting will coincide with the Gardere Initiative’s “Back to School Extravaganza.”  

Mini pitches are innovative, hard-court surfaces designed for soccer programs and pick-up games. They not only serve as vibrant community hubs but also provide safe places for children and families to play right in their own neighborhoods. Access to recreational facilities is often limited in underserved areas, where children are four times more likely to lack opportunities for physical activity. This new mini pitch directly addresses that gap, helping to promote health, wellness, and social connection. 

“This project is about more than soccer—it’s about creating a safe, welcoming space that builds community,” said Janet Simmons, Interim Superintendent. “We are grateful to our partners and sponsors for coming together to invest in the future of Gardere’s youth.” 

The project was made possible through the support of the BREC Foundation, James Vilas (Vilas Law Firm), the Gardere Initiative, Hartley / Vey, Hancock Whitney Bank, Prestige Auto Sales, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Quality Concrete, and Musco Lighting. 

Total donations reached $44,000, covering the bulk of the project’s construction costs. The project was completed in just 45 days, thanks to the work of BREC’s Capital Construction Division and Premier Construction & Remodeling. 

Community members, local leaders, and partners are invited to join BREC in celebrating the opening of this exciting new space that will benefit families for generations to come.