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a `s ek�GTo ' Town of Lexington - FY2024-28 CPA Project Project Name: Cricket Field Construction Date: 8/11/16 Project ID: Rec-CPA-4 Department: Recreation & Community Programs Revised: 9/20/22 Submitted by: Peter Coleman/Chris Filadoro Phone: 781-698-4803 Email: pcoleman@lexingtonma.gov Description of Project: **Due to the field use arrangements that have been made with cricket organizations in recent years, combined with the layout of a cricket field at Minuteman High School, the recommendation is to remove this request from the 5 - Year Capital Plan.** The Recreation Committee is requesting $200,000 in FY2026 to build a cricket field. This project would include the construction of a new cricket field. The site for the cricket field is unknown at this time and will depend on whether the project involves the conversion of an existing athletic field to a cricket field or if it will be the creation and construction of a brand new cricket field. This request was introduced in the plan four years ago and as of September 2021, a location has not yet been identified. In the meantime, staff continue to work with the various cricket advocates in an attempt to come up with a field that is appropriately sized for practices and matches for the short-term. Justification/Benefit: Played throughout the world, the sport of cricket is gaining in popularity in the United States. Locally, the United Cricket League (UCL) was created in 2013 and offers cricket opportunities to the youth of Lexington. The dimensions and specifications required for a cricket field are unique. The required dimensions for the batting area, referred to as the "pitch," are 66 feet in length by 10 feet in width and this area needs to be a hard, firm surface, such as compacted clay. Another unique feature is that the ball can be hit in any direction. As a result, the entire field should have a radius of 180 feet, which makes for an extensive playing area. Currently, cricket is played on natural grass multi-purpose athletic fields in Lexington, which are the most heavily used athletic fields in town. Constructing a field specific for cricket use would not only promote the game of cricket, but it would also help to reduce the amount of maintenance needed on the existing multi-purpose athletic fields. The Recreation Committee is charged with pursuing new, up-and-coming recreational activities for the residents of Lexington and the construction of a cricket field would enable cricket organizations to expand their programs and offerings within the community. Impact if Not Completed: The impact of not approving this request is that cricket would continue to be played on the multi-purpose athletic fields, which are the most heavily used athletic fields in town. This means that the cricket opportunities available to the community would be limited. Additionally, the overuse of the multi-purpose athletic fields would result in the continued deterioration of these fields, which could cause injuries and game cancellations. Timeframe: 2026 Replacement Frequency: 15 years Basis for Cost Projections: The cost estimate is based on similar past projects and information from vendors and architects. This cost estimate is in then -year dollars (FY2026 request in FY2026 dollars). Recreation - Page 31 Printed October 10, 2022