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Barrie park being renamed to honour fallen OPP officer

Greg Pierzchala often used Batteaux Park on Mapleton Avenue to train; new fitness circuit installed, inspired by Ontario Police College fitness test
BarrieToday Staff
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OPP Const. Greg Pierzchala, who grew up in Barrie, was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 27, 2022. The City of Barrie is renaming a local park in his honour this weekend. Supplied photo

Barrie’s Batteaux Park will be officially renamed Saturday to honour Grzegorz ‘Greg’ Pierzchala, a Barrie community member and an Ontario Provincial Police officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

Pierzchala, 28, was shot and killed Dec. 27, 2022 while responding to a call for a vehicle in a ditch just west of Hagersville.

A 28-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman are charged with first-degree murder in relation to the shooting.

Born in Toronto, Pierzchala grew up in Barrie, attending St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School. 

He had been with OPP for just more than a year and had been notified he had passed his 10-month probation period just hours before his death.

Pierzchala often used Batteaux Park, located at 443 Mapleton Ave., to train.

In his memory, a new fitness circuit has been installed at the park, inspired by the Ontario Police College fitness test.

A memorial sign will also be unveiled on Saturday during the renaming event.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall, members of city council, Ontario Provincial Police and Barrie Police Service representatives, and the Pierzchala family, will be on hand for a park renaming at 11 a.m.