Henrico County held a ground-breaking ceremony today to commemorate the start of construction on a cricket field at Deep Run Park.
Crews started site work this month on a $648,900 project to renovate three existing multipurpose fields to create a cricket field that includes a clay pitch and meets the standards of the International Cricket Council. The playing fields are currently terraced, with each measuring 180 feet by 330 feet.
“Deep Run Park is truly one of the jewels of the Henrico County parks system and a great location for cricket,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Tommy M. Branin, who represents the Three Chopt District, where the park is located. “Cricket is not just a game; it is a community and family event. The idea here is to create a community feel for everyone.”
In addition to regrading the site, the 7-acre project will install a new natural grass surface and an irrigation system. It also will upgrade walkways and paths; install cricket batting cages; provide grassy, banked seating; and include storm water drainage and other improvements. Construction is expected to be finished in September. The new field also will accommodate soccer and other activities. Deep Run is located at 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.
Henrico officials initially discussed constructing a cricket field at Deep Run as projects were being planned for the 2016 bond referendum. Officials ultimately decided to accelerate the project, with the Board of Supervisors awarding a contract for construction in May.
In addition to Deep Run, Henrico has cricket fields at Holladay Elementary School, Dunncroft/Castle Point Park and Capital Park. The field at Holladay is expected to close in September as part of construction to expand the school. The field at Dunncroft/Castle Point is slated to undergo improvements beginning this winter through next June.
