A dream five years in the making, in what we only ever thought would never be more than that. But, with the thanks for COVID came itchy feet, and vision became possible!

Build it, and they will come - that was the driver behind the Kapiti Softball Club batting cage project. Sunday, saw the official launch and opening of the club's new two-lane batting facility at Te-Atiawa park, Paraparaumu.

"The project was one of the biggest fundraisers the club has undertaken in the last ten years; lots of blood, sweat and tears have already gone into this, and we couldn't be happy with the final result. We have built a top-class training facility that our members and our entire community can enjoy." Kyla Huff (Treasurer and Junior Convenor).

The batting cage includes a customized container to house our two batting machines and sitting inside a safe, fully fenced turfed area - with the turf recycled by Kapiti Hockey Club. hockey turf 

Sunday's opening was a massive milestone for the club, with Mayor Guru taking the first official hit, followed by Richard Mansell from Coastlands.

"We couldn't have done this without the support of Kāpiti Coast District Council; not only did they agree we could build within a community park, but they also helped us every step of the way." Willy Palmer

Kapiti softball club would like to thank our sponsors:

NZ Community Trust, Lions Foundation, Paraparaumu/Raumati Community Board, Paekākāriki Community Board, and Ōtaki Community Board.

And to our Business Sponsors: DiggaWorx, Hipsta, Legacy Building, Porch plumbing and draining, Gold Coast Mechanics, Auto Doctor, Coastlands, Wellington Softball, Craig Pashby (Ray White), Epic homes, Perfectly balanced, Kena Kena Four Square, LeDoors, Hunters Construction and Fit it Fitzy. They would also like to thank all the individual sponsors, members, and community who have helped with their fundraising efforts over the last 12 months.

The batting cage is now open - come down and give it a go! We would love to see our community get as much enjoyment out of it as we have. Head over to our website and book online - www.kapitisoftball.co.nz/batting-cage/how-it-works

The softball season starts in October. "We are always on the lookout for more members; get in touch, or keep an eye out in August for our club's registration or pop on down during our pre-season premier tournament on 24 & 25 September, where we get to see Wellingtons Black sox players in action for their clubs." Willy Palmer, Club Captain.

Kāpiti Softball are also finalists in the 2022 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards

Article added: Sunday 24 July 2022