The Prince Rupert Cricket Club (PRCC) is inching ever closer to securing a field in Port Edward where they can properly practice and hold both intramural and regional matches.
Kam Siemens, president of the Northwest Cricket Association presented a proposal on behalf of the local club to District of Port Edward council on May 13. She said it was very well received.
"I found the main concern was if the field could be used as a multi-purpose, which I was able to address," she said. "With a turf cricket pitch other sports can also be played, many Lower Mainland fields are multipurpose and it has been proven to be very effective."
The club is proposing to use the field twice a week for practice and on Sunday for matches, weather permitting. They also propose to bring two regional tournaments to the District that would draw 75-100 people.
They are asking the District to undertake the following improvements to bring the field up to playing condition: Thatch the field to remove moss buildup; mow the area and remove any dirt and debris; add three truckloads of topsoil to level the field and fertilize to enhance lawn growth; mow and compact an area 30 metres long and 3-4 metres to lay a Jute mat temporary pitch.
They would also expect the District to aerate and fertilize in the spring.
In the future, the club proposes to construct a 30-metre concrete slab and synthetic turf for a permanent pitch at its own expense. The club will also take care of routine maintenance of the field (mowing, fixing potholes etc.).
The NWCA and District are also exploring the possibility of using the basement of the Community Centre/Municipal Hall as a year-round training facility.
At the meeting, council passed a resolution directing staff to the one-time costs of bringing the field up to playing condition and the annual cost of maintenance.
Siemens said she is optimistic about the outcome.
"It looks positive as this has been on the District of Port Edward radar to enhance that field," she said. "This is the exact push they wanted."
Nobody from the District was immediately available for comment due to the ongoing North Central Local Government Association conference, which the District is co-hosting with the North Coast Regional District and City of Prince Rupert.
