Cricket players will soon have a place to play in Delta.
Delta council has endorsed a recommendation by the parks and recreation department to install a cricket pitch with safety netting at Delview Park in North Delta.
Positioned between two outfield areas of ball diamonds and costing $35,000, the project will be completed in time for spring play.
In order to accommodate cricket, the parks department will move slo-pitch usage from Delview to other fields. There’s also an off-leash dog area on the east side of the cricket field, so a 15-foot safety net will be installed.
Noting there are about 200 cricket players living in North Delta, parks, recreation and culture director Ken Kuntz said other parks were explored, including Sands, but soccer groups there wanted to keep that area solely for soccer.
A report to council notes that washroom and shelter upgrades for the park are included in the city’s proposed 2019 capital plan and that staff are currently working on designs.
Cricket players have also asked for batting cages.
Staff have also received comments that the enclosed off-leash dog area is too small and might be better located elsewhere.
The additional proposed amenities will be presented at a neighbourhood consultation session.
Coun. Lois Jackson expressed concern about installing the cricket field without input from the neighbourhood or a chance for the parks and recreation commission to discuss the idea.
Mayor George Harvie responded the city’s advisory commissions are currently being revamped and the new commission won’t be meeting until May, which would mean a lost season.
