The city's recreation division last week hosted an information sharing meeting with local clubs and residents titled 'Future of Cricket in Brampton' to seek public feedback on how to improve the grounds and the conditions for the players.

Cleanliness of on-site washrooms, maintaining the pitches and outfield grass, improving availability of facilities, even public urination were among the topics of concern at the meeting.

Some 45 representatives of local clubs and residents of Brampton, including delegates from Brampton-Etobicoke Cricket League and Brampton Cricket League, attended the meeting.

City officials headed by Donald A. Doan, manager of Recreation and Programs, while underlining Brampton's commitment to cricket, given the demand for cricketing facilities as the city's demographic changes, pointed out an oft-repeated complaint was that of leaving the grounds untidy after playing sessions were done.

Players in their turn sought turf pitches and access to better playing facilities.

The officials assured the players that the city is working hard to improve facilities. At the same time, they clarified that City facilities were only meant to develop grassroots cricket and for recreation, rather than for professional cricketers.

A participant suggested the city introduce a policy of sharing a ground with more than two teams for practice net sessions in order to share - and so reduce - rental costs.

The city thanked all delegates for their suggestions and promised better facilities for the players of tomorrow.