GURNEE – On June 12, the Gurnee community is invited to celebrate the opening of a new athletic field for cricket.

Festivities will begin at 10 a.m.

“We’re excited to bring the game of cricket to Gurnee,” Gurnee Park District Executive Director Susie Kuruvilla said in a news release.

Never heard of the sport of cricket? Never played? No problem. A ribbon-cutting will include demonstrations from members of the Gurnee cricket community. Cricket players will scrimmage as well as coach those looking to learn the game.

After light refreshments, there will be opening remarks and a ribbon-cutting at 10:10 a.m. Demonstrations will take place from 10:20 to 11 a.m.

“A group of about 30 residents have been playing cricket, utilizing our baseball/softball fields for the past two years,” Gurnee Park District Director of Parks and Planning Kraig Owens said. “They approached the district and requested a dedicated cricket pitch and field. After review, the Gurnee Park District’s park board and directors put plans into motion to open a new cricket field at Viking Park.”

The cricket field is west of the baseball diamonds at Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave. It is adjacent to Emerald Avenue. Guests should drive by the Viking Park Community Center and park in athletic field parking (the north end of the park).