The City of Nelson is pleased to announce the construction of two new cricket pitches at Lakeside Park, which will be located near the existing softball pitches. This exciting project will enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors while fostering the growth of cricket as a popular sport in our community.
The materials for the cricket pitches have been delivered, and construction is set to begin this spring. The project will involve the development of two pitches:
- Western Cricket Pitch: This pitch will be situated parallel to the first and second bases of the western softball pitch.
- Eastern Cricket Pitch: This pitch will be constructed parallel to the second and third bases of the eastern softball pitch.
The design and placement of these pitches have been carefully planned to ensure they integrate seamlessly with the existing recreational facilities at Lakeside Park. The construction team will take necessary precautions to minimize disruptions to park users during the construction phase. We are excited to bring this project to fruition and provide a new amenity that will serve Nelson's growing cricket community and visitors from surrounding areas.
In 2024, the City engaged with various user groups, including softball and cricket representatives, to ensure that all perspectives were considered.
The cricket community had previously been using Queen Elizabeth Field. Lakeside Park was identified as the best option to support their activities, while maintaining harmony with other recreational users.
Safety has been a top priority throughout this project. The pitches will be constructed with high-quality artificial turf that integrates seamlessly with the existing grass, eliminating any potential trip hazards. Furthermore, scheduling will be coordinated to ensure that different sports do not overlap, preventing any conflicts between user groups.
The priority order for bookings is as follows:
- Priority 1 – Youth Non Profit (league play)
- Priority 2 – Adult Non Profit
- Priority 3 – Tournaments
- Priority 4 – School District #8 Bookings
- Priority 5 – Youth for Profit
- Priority 6 – Adult for Profit
- Priority 7 – Casual Users
Cricket currently falls under Priority 7.
The City of Nelson is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all recreational activities. Our fields are designed for multi-use, accommodating a variety of sports and community groups. By adding cricket to Lakeside Park, we are embracing diversity in sports and providing more opportunities for community engagement.