The City of Vernon and the local cricket community marked a historic milestone today, April 19, 2026 with the official inauguration of the Vernon Cricket Field at DND Athletic Park.
The opening celebrated the return of cricket to Vernon after more than 100 years. The city’s first recorded cricket team dates back to 1908, making the new field both a revival of a long standing tradition and a meaningful investment in Vernon’s growing and increasingly diverse sports community.
The ceremony included remarks from Mayor Victor Cumming, members of Vernon City Council, and local MLA Harwinder Sandhu, underscoring the project’s importance in supporting community wellness, inclusion, and regional sports development.
“This is a proud moment for Vernon and a strong example of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision,” said Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu. “This project reflects years of teamwork, advocacy, and collective effort from many dedicated partners. My team and I were proud to help initiate early conversations with the City, and we are grateful to the City of Vernon for their openness to these discussions and their support in bringing this project to fruition. Projects like this are never the work of one person or one team, they are built through partnership, shared commitment, and the belief that when we work together, we create spaces where people can connect, play, and grow together.”
“This new cricket field honours Vernon’s past while investing in its future,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “Cricket is one of the fastest growing sports in our region, and this facility reflects our commitment to inclusive recreation, community connection, and ensuring Vernon remains a welcoming place for residents of all recreation interests.”
Immediately following the ceremony, the field hosted its first official match, between the North Okanagan Cricket Club and Okanagan United Cricket Team, as part of the Elite Cricket League — one of the largest cricket leagues in Interior British Columbia, featuring teams from Vernon, Kelowna, Osoyoos, Penticton, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Nelson, and Castlegar.
“This is a very special moment for the cricketing community not just in Vernon, but across the entire Okanagan,” said Hashan Sirisena, representing the Vernon Cricket User Group. “We commend the collaboration and effort by the City of Vernon in making this a reality.”
Funding for the new cricket pitch was provided through the City’s Parks Reserve Fund, with Council approving up to $30,000 in 2025 for its design and construction. The project includes an 80 by 15 foot concrete slab topped with artificial turf to support cricket play, allowing the space to be used for other activities when cricket is not being played.
The Vernon Cricket Field is expected to become a regional hub for both competitive and recreational cricket, supporting league play, youth development, and community programming for years to come, while strengthening Vernon’s role as a host city for regional sporting events.