As a home owner and resident of the Northlake Community, I am deeply concerned about the proposed construction of a cricket field in our beloved Northlake Community Park. This petition aims to bring attention to the safety hazards as well as the impracticality of location for the field. I had initially focused on the gender exclusivity of the sport but wanted to take the time to highlight the other major concerns, including safety, logistics, parking and practicality.

Safety concerns arise when considering the size and weight of the cricket ball. Unlike other sports commonly played in parks like soccer or baseball, cricket balls can cause significant damage or pose threats to public safety due to their large size and weight. It is essential that we prioritize the well-being and security of all park visitors by avoiding potential hazards associated with this sport. The city has not provided any written documentation to show that any steps have been taken to mitigate the safety hazard, nor have they conducted any Environmental Impact Surveys to get an accurate picture of how the installation of a cricket field will affect the surrounding environment. There has been no proposal to install a fence and the park is adjacent to Highway 99, has a walking path around the perimeter and tightly packed homes along the other three sides.

Logistically speaking, constructing a cricket pitch/field without providing adequate public parking facilities seems implausible for our limited space at Northlake Community Park. This oversight will lead to increased traffic congestion and inconvenience for residents who rely on park amenities regularly. This will also create a significant safety hazard for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists who use the streets surrounding the park as they will have to navigate through cars parked on either side of the street, limiting the space available for safe travel.

 Furthermore, the installation of a cricket field will inhibit any other simultaneous park activities from occurring. Although the park is listed to be “programmable turf” on two different ends, a cricket field will take over the entire park which will not allow others to use the space for anything other than cricket especially while a match is in progress.

Cricket has leagues of fully grown men from all over California who play in proper cricket fields.  Yes, there are neighborhood venues for other neighborhood sports but for cricket this would be the only cricket field in the city of Sacramento so this would absolutely attract many, many more visitors from the outside which is why it is important to construct a field in a park that can accommodate a large number of visitors as well as provide, all around fencing, fenced in bleachers, plenty of space for a cricket ball to travel without hitting cars, people or homes, restrooms and a designated parking lot. North Natomas Regional Park is in fact a sports park and before it was developed, a cricket field was proposed to be built there (see attached photos). It was the perfect space as it already houses a properly fenced in baseball diamond. The city needs to find a sports park for a cricket field, and I’m sure there is plenty of space at North Natomas Regional Park. 

Finally, the city of Sacramento has not provided it’s citizens with the proper Environmental Impact Survey, nor have they accounted for the lack of fencing or seating area. Parking is a major concern but that’s definitely not the only one. There are a multitude of concerns and a city councilwoman telling her constituents that something is a “done deal” without any other information isn’t proper procedure.

Should the city complete a proper survey, account for incoming visitors based on various factors (amount of traffic at other cricket fields), ensure that cricket balls won’t fly into Highway 99 and hit cars moving at a high rate of speed, ensure that the surrounding homes and cars will not be damaged by stray balls (see YouTube link below for example) and that the field will not disturb other occupants of the park or other activities taking place in the park, we would at the very least feel more comfortable with the idea.

https://youtu.be/nOQVOLlGvgg?si=wIuBL9BYY48jC1fl

To just say a cricket field is being built whether we like it or not without any history of there being a public meeting/agenda/minutes/approval, doesn’t sit right with a lot of people. Especially the tax payers who live adjacent to the Park and will be directly affected the most.

Yes, there is a need for a cricket field in the city of Sacramento but the city needs to find a location that would make more logistical sense and be less of an overall safety concern.

I’m happy to answer any other questions anyone has or clear up any confusion. These are practical concerns from neighbors who have been taken by surprise through no fault of their own. We deserve a chance to be heard.

By signing this petition, you join me in urging local authorities and decision-makers to reconsider their plans for building a cricket pitch at Northlake Community Park due to the safety concerns related to ball size and weight and the impracticality of building a cricket pitch so close to a major highway, children's play structures and homes and the lack of parking available for the visitors who will come in from all over the region.

 We need to act Now! The cricket pitch is proposed to be built within the next six months unless we stop it.

Thank you for your support in this important matter.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Chawla

 Northlake HOA Board Nominee