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grande prairie cricket association

Grande Prairie Cricket Association hoping for new turf come spring time

Dec 12, 2019 | 2:27 PM

The Grande Prairie Cricket Association is hoping to have new turf for their cricket pitch in 2020.

Their application for a Parks Improvement Grant from the city has been approved by the Infrastructure and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, December 10, and now awaits final approval from City Council.

Their grant would total $10,300.50.

Rohit Dua, General Secretary for the Grande Prairie Cricket Association, says the current turf is nearing the end of its time and needs replacement.

“It does cost quite a bit of money, and it actually helps retain the spirit of the game because we have seen the growth of cricket in Grande Prairie and we want to continue growing it, so it really feels really good and we all are really excited about it.”

He adds that the Association has grown significantly in the past few years.

“So we’ve got 75 members registered from where we started with 20 just four, five years back, and now, we also have women starting to play cricket as well in Grande Prairie, which is huge because every other bigger city has a women’s cricket team.”

The Association’s application says the growth has caused more usage and damage to the turf, and say they are wanting to replace the turf to avoid possible injuries due to the usage.

Dua says they are looking to begin installation in the spring.

“Because of our weather up here, so unpredictable, and the grounds not drying up and stuff, we are hoping by spring time when the snow is gone we can get it replaced before the season because the turf which is there right now, it’s getting to a point where it’s becoming unplayable.”

Committee also recommended council approve Parks Improvement Grants towards a new orchard in Crystal Heights Park and a new fence around the existing orchard in Country Club Estates.