Baisley Pond Park

Parks Cuts Ribbon On Baisley Pond Park Cricket Field

Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe today joined Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, City Council Member Ruben Wills, High School Cricket Commissioner Bassett Thompson, and Glyne Hurley and Joe Siewharack of the Melbourne/NY Alliance Cricket Club to cut the ribbon on a $650,000 new natural grass cricket field in Baisley Pond Park, Queens. The Melbourne/NY Alliance Cricket Club gave appreciation awards to Commissioner Benepe, Borough President Marshall, Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, Queens Parks Chief of Staff JoAnne Amagrande and Deputy Chief of Operations Philip Sparacio.

“Cricket is one of the fastest growing sports in New York City and the Parks Department has answered the call by building more than 30 cricket fields throughout the city,” said Parks Commissioner Benepe. “Thanks to a generous allocation of $650,000 City capital funds from Borough President Marshall, Baisley Pond Park users can play on a new natural grass cricket field, designed with sustainable landscape that not only looks pretty, but is good for the environment.”

The new work includes a league size cricket field. The runoff water from the new field is directed to a new “green” drainage system of planted bioswales, which are landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. The new drainage system allows new areas for attractive plantings of native trees, shrubs, grasses and wild flowers.

The history of cricket extends from the 16th century, with international matches played since 1844. Cricket originated in England and is now played throughout the world. It has long believed that cricket should be played in accordance with its traditional 'spirit.' In the late 1990s, two distinguished ex-England captains sought to enshrine the 'Spirit of Cricket' into the game's laws. This would remind players of their responsibility for ensuring that cricket is always played with good sportsmanship.

Cricket is one of the fastest growing sports and is now one of the most widely played in the world. It is the world's second most popular sport after soccer, or better known internationally as football. Currently, 10 cricket fields are in construction in New York City parks.

- 30 -