A new permanent cricket pitch is in the works for the city.
The City of Stratford and Stratford Festival Cricket Team are embracing the rising popularity of the sport through establishing a permanent cricket pitch in Lower Queen’s Park.
Emilio Vieira, a member of the acting company at Stratford Festival, and captain of the festival’s cricket team highlights the importance of having a new pitch in Stratford.
“I know of so many folks in town who leave the city to go and play. And with a specific aim towards sports tourism and growing sports in this city, the advent of a permanent cricket pitch is inevitable, and I’m glad that it’s happening now,” he said.
This project is set to enrich the community’s cultural landscape and build on the more than 150-year history of cricket within Stratford, the club says.
Stratford Festival Cricket Team is trying to raise $20,000 to cover expenses that include construction, equipment, and maintenance.
Viera said local businesses have helped with fundraising.
The City of Stratford’s Parks Board approved the project last September.
“This sort of camaraderie that comes with the sport, that I know the city is eager to engage in with – festivals and dragon boat racing and all these other things that the city does in these large-scale ways.”
“Cricket just fits so perfectly into that as a pulse for this community.”
They continue to collaborate with partners that include the City of Stratford, local businesses, contractors, and cricket enthusiasts.
The team also has a gofundme page.
