Cricketers playing at the new Vernon Cricket Pitch at the DND Grounds (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Sports Facility

New cricket pitch open in Vernon

Apr 21, 2026 | 6:01 AM

Bowlers and batsmen have a new facility to play at in the North Okanagan.

The City of Vernon officially opened the new Vernon Cricket Field at the DND Grounds Sunday, April 19.

The city said this was a special moment as Vernon’s first cricket team dates back to 1908, and that having the new pitch reflects a revival of a long standing tradition and an investment in a growing and diverse sprots community.

“This new cricket field honours Vernon’s past while investing in its future,” Mayor Victor Cumming. said.

“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.”

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An opening ceremony was held Sunday, and that was immediately followed by its first official match, which saw the North Okanagan Cricket Club and Okanagan Cricket Team play each other.

“This is a very special moment for the cricketing community not just in Vernon, but across the entire Okanagan,” Hashan Sirisena, a representative for the Vernon Cricket User Group, said.

“We commend the collaboration and effort by the City of Vernon in making this a reality.”

The city provided $30,000 in 2025 through the Parks Reserve Fund to design and build the pitch. It said the new Vernon Cricket Field was expected to serve as a regional hub for both competitive and recreational cricket, while also supporting league play, youth development and community programs.

“This is a proud moment for Vernon and a strong example of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision,” Vernon-Lumby MLA, Harwinder Sandhu, noted.

“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.”

by Liam Verster

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