The boys (and girls) of summer have arrived in Covington sporting new uniforms, a winning attitude and new fields and facilities at which to play.

The City of Covington Recreation Department opened its baseball and softball fields recently with a dedication ceremony and former Mayor Keith Villere throwing out the first pitch.

Sister Kathy Broussard of the Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic said the complex has been a dream of the sisters for a long time. The order donated the land to the city of Covington with the stipulation that the land must be used “for the children.” Also instrumental in the land donation was Sister Dorothy Trosclair, president of the order.

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Broussard said it is an “exciting and proud day for Covington and for our children.”

The complex has four baseball-softball fields and will eventually house a gymnasium and a football field. The older Burns fields will still be used as practice fields, but all games are being played at the new complex.

The complex has no name as of yet and the city council and recreation committee plan to have a “name the complex” contest.

According to Melodie Penn with the Covington Recreation Department, about 385 children are scheduled for the 24 baseball and softball teams for this season. In addition, there are 80 children signed up for T-ball.

This totals over 450 children that will immediately benefit from the new fields.

The fields boast covered bleachers for spectators on each side of home plate, plus a covered dugout for each team.

The new concession stand by the three main fields was already doing a brisk business Saturday at the opening. Another concession stand is planned for the football field.

Years in the making, the complex has faced an uphill battle with voters who turned down creation of Recreation District 10 three times at the polls.

According to Lee Alexius, chairmen of Covington City Council’s recreation committee, about $3.5 million has been invested in the project thus far. Another $3-4 million will be needed for the complex’s completion, including another concession stand, a football field and bleachers, a gymnasium and parking facilities, Alexius said.

Mayor Candace Watkins and Broussard cut the ribbon to officially open the facility, with members of the city council, other city officials and the CRD board looking on.Watkins also sang the national anthem at the opening ceremony, without musical accompaniment.

Villere’s involvement in the project stemmed from his years as mayor and the dedication he had of seeing the project completed. His pitch was warmly received by members of the girls’ team, the Lions, playing on the field as well as the other spectators gathered for the event.

Three games got underway immediately after the pomp and circumstance and parents and other family members enjoyed concessions on new bleachers while they cheered their players to victory.