Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Community Donation Request — Cricket Pitch Installation at Dwight Amy Park
REPORT IN BRIEF
At the September 28, 2026 Recreation and Parks Commission meeting, staff introduced a community request to donate a cricket pitch at Dwight Amy Park. The Commission voted to add the item to the October 2026 agenda for formal discussion and action.
RECOMMENDATION
Commission– Adopt a motion:
Decline the donation as proposed for installation at Dwight Amy Park, based on the park's neighborhood classification, the conflict with existing amenities and the absence of supporting infrastructure (restrooms, parking) required for organized competitive sports; and,
Recommend staff to engage the community member to explore alternative park venues — specifically community or regional parks — where a cricket pitch donation could be accepted, properly permitted, and supported by adequate infrastructure; and,
Recommend staff to host community meeting to discuss interest and feasibility of replacing a Backstop with Cricket Pitch at Dwight Amey Park.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code § 14.08.015 requires Exclusive Use Permits for organized sports in City Parks.
MMC § 14.08.030(A)(3) requires the Director to find, before issuing an Exclusive Use Permit, that "the use for which the exclusive use permit is sought complies with the use established for the area of the park requested."
2026- 2036 Parks Recreation & Open Space Master Plan park classification framework confirms that organized sports fields belong in Community or Regional parks, not ...
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