Victoria Park, in the heart of West Galt in Cambridge, is a vibrant community hub where residents of all backgrounds gather to connect and play. The expansive park is home to a designated cricket pitch, in addition to the Victoria Park Tennis Club, a playground, and baseball diamond. Cricket itself has been a beloved aspect of Victoria Park and the broader community for well over a century. 

Recently, the Victoria Park Tennis Club put forward a petition calling for the elimination of all cricket activity in the park, citing safety and other concerns. However, this blanket approach unfairly targets an entire sport/community rather than addressing the specific issue of unsanctioned or non-permitted use. Other forms of unsanctioned park activity occur regularly in Victoria Park but have not been singled out in the same way. This uneven focus raises serious concerns about racial bias and the discriminatory treatment of cricket and the communities who play it.

We agree that Victoria Park should be safe and accessible for everyone. All park users, regardless of the activity, must follow local by-laws, respect shared space, and ensure their use does not interfere with others. Concerns about unsanctioned or unsafe play should be addressed through consistent, fair enforcement of existing rules, not by banning a specific activity or group altogether.

Sanctioned cricket play is a valuable and positive part of our community. It promotes physical activity, social connection, and cultural inclusion. Removing access to the cricket pitch would undermine these benefits and exclude a growing segment of our city's population from equitable use of public space. 

Instead of eliminating cricket in Victoria Park, we call on Cambridge municipal leadership to:

1. Ensure consistent enforcement of park by-laws for all users and activities, to mitigate concerns and risks relating to safety or otherwise.
2. Support the continued use of Victoria Park for sanctioned cricket play.
3. Explore opportunities to develop additional cricket facilities across the city to meet increasing demand.

Victoria Park should remain a place where diversity is reflected, respected, and celebrated. By supporting fair access and inclusive planning, we can ensure the park continues to serve all members of our community safely and equitably.

Sign this petition to support non-discriminatory use of public space and to keep cricket alive and thriving in Victoria Park.

- West Galt residents in support of inclusive, diverse communities