Ontario Construction News staff writer
Work will soon be underway to construct its first city-owned full-size cricket pitch at Derwent Park in Windsor. Following extensive community consultation and a $100,000 investment for design work in 2022, Mayor Drew Dilkens was joined by Shahzeb Akram and Eniyavan Subramanian from the Windsor Essex Cricket League to announce $1 million for the first phase of construction.
Phase 1 will install a cricket pitch with fencing, player benches and irrigation. The full project will be completed in six phases and will include construction of washroom buildings, dressing rooms, trails, picnic tables, a patio area and solar lighting with a total cost of about $7.5 million.
Located between Forest Glade Drive and the E.C. Row Expressway, Derwent Park spans 32 acres, offering ample space for the new cricket pitch and existing scenic trails. The city aims to complete the first phase of this project by the spring of 2025, with further phases to be completed as part of the future 2025 capital budget.
Derwent Park currently has 650 metres of gravel and natural trails that wind through a picturesque woodlot along the eastern edge of city land. Trails will be enhanced and extended as part of the ongoing development, creating a vibrant and accessible recreational area for all residents.
- Phase 1: Installation of cricket pitch, player benches and irrigation and drainage system
- Phase 2: Installation of path around cricket pitch and access to parking lot, wayfinding signage, solar lighting, benches
- Phase 3: Cricket field lighting, batting/practice cages, shade for player benches, cricket pitch lighting and wayfinding signage
- Phase 4: Washroom buildings (2) with dressing rooms, picnic tables, patio area, storage area
- Phase 5: Updated parking lot area
- Phase 6: Widening and upgrading of trails and solar lighting
“Cricket in Windsor is expanding at a fast pace. Windsor Essex Cricket League (WECL) started in 2018 with just six clubs. In 2024, close to 30 clubs participate in the League,” said Eniyavan Subramanian- Treasurer/Director WECL. “While we have interest from additional clubs, we have been unable to accommodate more players as a result of all cricket grounds operating at full capacity.
“This full-sized Cricket Ground in Derwent Park, will provide a much-needed boost to the sport in Windsor.”