Central Park Cricket Improvements

Oct 22, 2026

Park Renewal Projects

The City of Burlington is undertaking construction of the existing cricket field at Central Park to improve safety. The park is located at 2299 New St.

Construction Schedule

Late Summer into Fall 2026

Project Overview

City is moving the cricket pitch (where the players hit the ball) to the middle of the park. The new cricket field layout includes a 20m buffer zone (or additional space) around the field, plus an additional 5.7m for pedestrian access. Going forward, the cricket field and buffer boundaries will be chalk painted to provide a visual queue, along with existing signage, for pedestrians. These changes improve the safety of adjacent residents and park users, and cricket player experience.

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Project Renderings

Project scope

Construction work will include:

A relocated cricket pitch
The removal of part of the existing gravel parking lot (approximately 24 spaces) and 7 trees.
The planting of 31 new trees

Project schedule

Construction of the cricket field is expected to begin in mid-August with completion mid-October. This schedule includes the establishment of new sod. The new 31 trees will be planted in Fall 2026. No construction activities are scheduled for July as the contract is currently being executed and the contractor requires time to procure materials, coordinate subcontractors and mobilize the necessary labour, equipment and resources to the site. This period is essential to ensure construction can proceed efficiently once on-site work begins.

To ensure safety during construction, the construction area will be fenced off with signs posted. The cricket field and baseball diamonds will remain closed for the duration of the construction. The rest of the park, parking lot and amenities will remain open. Access to the park facilities may be impacted.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in keeping the site safe during construction.

Project Updates

Oct. 22, 2026

The construction of the cricket pitch with buffer zone is now complete.

For the remainder of the season, only cricket play by permit will be allowed beginning Saturday, Oct. 24 and only available:

Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To support the successful reopening of the field, City staff will be onsite during permitted play times, as well as before and after scheduled use periods. If you have questions or concerns while staff are present, please speak with staff directly. We are working to educate both players and neighbours.

Oct. 2, 2026

Council Information Package, Oct. 2, 2026

This memo provides Council with an update on the Central Park cricket pitch improvements, anticipated reopening of the field and the temporary operating approach for the remainder of the 2026 outdoor season.

It also serves as an interim update on COW-15-26, response to inquiries related to cricket in Central Park, approved by Council on June 23, 2026. The direction includes matters related to Central Park operations, enforcement and longer-term cricket infrastructure. A comprehensive response to the broader direction, including future cricket infrastructure planning, is anticipated to come forward to Council in December 2026.

Reminder

Organized cricket activity must comply with the City's Parks By-law and applicable permitting requirements.
Signage is installed at the pitch noting rules of play for the park, including time of play
The field has been designed and built for adult recreational and youth cricket using hardball.
Use of the field is restricted to the types of cricket activity for which the facility was designed.

If City staff are not available in the park during business hours, please call 905-335-7777. If your issue is urgent or after-hours, please call Halton Regional Police.

As of Nov. 2, the cricket pitch will close for the season, and fencing will be installed.

Cricket terms and conditions of use

Permitted season of play

The (cricket) Organization acknowledges and agrees that all cricket activities at the Central Park cricket facility shall be permitted only during the period of May 1 through Oct. 31 of each calendar year, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the City.

For 2026, permitting will be done until Nov. 1.

Permitted hours of play

The Organization acknowledges and agrees that cricket activities at the Central Park cricket facility shall be restricted to the following approved hours of operation until Nov. 1, 2026:

Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No organized play (sanctioned sport) shall be permitted outside of these hours or on statutory holidays.

Eligible categories of play

The Organization acknowledges and agrees that use of the Central Park cricket pitch shall be limited to:

Adult recreational cricket activities; and
Youth cricket activities as defined and recognized by Cricket Ontario.
Competitive, commercial, or other forms of play not expressly authorized under this Agreement are prohibited (i.e, tapeball).

Compliance and member communication

The Organization confirms that it has communicated these terms and conditions to its members, participants, coaches, officials, and volunteers, and agrees to ensure compliance with all applicable rules governing use of the Central Park cricket facility.

The Organization shall be responsible for the conduct of its members and participants and for ensuring adherence to the permitted season, approved hours of play, and eligible categories of use outlined herein.

Breach of terms

Failure to comply with any of the above conditions may result in the suspension or termination of facility access privileges at the sole discretion of the City.

Council support and public engagement

For more information about the history of cricket at Central Park, other planned changes and recent public engagement, visit Get Involved Burlington.

Contact

Questions or concerns can be sent by email.

Ward 2
Parks