The City of Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department and City Council recently unveiled a brand-new cricket field in Delia Park, bringing a world-renowned sport to our local community and expanding recreational opportunities for residents.
The cricket field spans approximately five acres and is one of the largest municipally operated fields in metro Detroit. The field features natural grass for the fielding area and a specially designed pitch comprised of a concrete base with artificial turf. This unique surface was carefully selected to provide optimal conditions, ensuring the ball reacts appropriately during each match.
“As was the case with all our cornerstone projects within the scope of Recreating Recreation, the cricket field was another opportunity to provide new and unique recreation opportunity for our residents,” said Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois. “Sterling Heights and metro Detroit is extremely diverse, and this amenity helps to serve our residents that grew up playing this sport and those that may want to get into it in the future.”
With the support and guidance from various local cricket organizations to help in the design process, the field is equipped with player benches, bleachers for spectators, and trash cans. Future plans for the field include the addition of a scoreboard, field lights, designated practice areas, and shaded areas for players and spectators, recognizing that cricket matches can last over six hours.
"Cricket is extremely popular in countries including India, Pakistan…even Australia, and the brand-new cricket field is a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community and is a celebration of the diversity that helps make Sterling Heights such a great community,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “Sterling Heights is home to many cultures, and we are dedicated to providing opportunities for all residents to come together and enjoy.”
The cricket field will be utilized by rentals that will run leagues, practices and tournaments, but Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation plans to introduce the game of cricket to more people in the community through instructional classes, recreation leagues and more.
“We are just getting started with the cricket field and using it to its potential. Since this is a new amenity to us, we are in the process of evaluating and finding out how to serve the most people with this facility,” said Langlois. “We look forward to seeing families and friends gather here, creating lasting memories and strengthening the bonds that make our city so unique.”
The cricket field is currently by permit only with a fee. Those interested in reserving the cricket field at Delia Park can contact the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation office at (586) 446-2700.