Cricket fields at La Barrière Park officially opened over the weekend.
Originally starting in 2018 with the construction of one high-performance cricket pitch, before the site has grown to three high performance pitches along with four practice nets, a batting cage, three shade structures, and more than 100 trees.
“As Winnipeg grows through immigration, the game of cricket is growing just as rapidly,” said Councillor Janice Lukes, Waverley West in a news release.“But cricket is more than just a game, in Winnipeg it’s a powerful bridge that brings diverse communities together through shared passion and a friendly rivalry."
More than $1.1 million has been granted to Manitoba Cricket Association from a combination of individual ward/Councillor funding and City of Winnipeg Land Dedication Reserving funding since the project began.
Current and past Councillors have contributed to the project financially including Councillor Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River) provided $95,000.
“I’m very pleased to support the development of superior fields for our adults and youth,” said Chambers in a news release. “Many junior and high school students are already playing cricket at their schools, and this initiative gives them the opportunity to grow their skills on full-sized, regulation fields.”
The Council/ward funding supported:
- Construction of the concrete pitches
- Batting cage installation
- Ongoing maintenance
- Shade trees and shade structures
- New signage
Additional funding was provided by the Province of Manitoba.
“With these improved facilities we’ve seen a notable increase in player engagement and development,” said MCA President Paramjit Shahi in a news release. “We are especially proud to have had two players represent Cricket Canada, including one who is part of the World Cup team, and four players selected to the Prairie Zonal Team, with two Under-17 players representing Manitoba in national competitions in Toronto this year.”