Snoqualmie commission backs exploring cricket fields at Centennial or Jeanne Hanson Park

At its March 11, 2025 meeting the Snoqualmie Parks and Events Commission voted unanimously to support exploring a home cricket field at Centennial and/or Jeanne Hanson Park, with city staff to manage site feasibility and maintenance.

Commission Chair Emily Anderson and fellow commissioners said local residents — including the nonprofit Snoqualmie Wolves and adult and youth players — have requested regular access to a home field. Commissioner Paul Swan made the motion to endorse the concept and asked staff to determine what accommodations and maintenance would be needed.

"I make a motion for this body to support a cricket field at Centennial and or Jeanne Hanson with city staff managing site feasibility and maintenance," Commissioner Paul Swan said during the meeting. Anderson said she supported moving forward "as long as it meets the maintenance criteria of the city." The motion passed with commissioners present voting in favor.

City staff described several practical options under consideration: (1) allowing teams to reserve existing grass fields and roll out portable cricket mats and wickets for play; (2) short-mowing or isolating a narrow strip on an existing field for a temporary pitch; or (3) constructing a hardened or compacted strip where heavier, permanent use would occur. Public works director Jeff Hamlin said the department prefers temporary or low-maintenance approaches when feasible because parks staff are already stretched thin.

Staff and commissioners identified Centennial as the preferred site because of its larger open backfield and parking; Jeanne Hanson Park (referred to in discussion as Ginny/Jeanne Hanson) was discussed as a secondary option. Staff noted some scheduling conflicts exist during soccer and football seasons and that any regular use would need to fit the parks' reservation process and maintenance capacities.

Commissioners asked staff to follow up with the local groups about formalizing reservations and to return with details about dimensions, seasonal demand and any costs or maintenance implications. Staff said leagues are typically treated like other organized users and would be subject to the city’s field-reservation and fee structure.

What happens next: staff will contact the groups to clarify needs, carry out a feasibility review of Centennial and Jeanne Hanson Park, and report back. The commission recorded the vote as unanimous among commissioners present; no formal second or roll-call breakdown beyond unanimous approval was recorded in the transcript.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to support a cricket field at Centennial and/or Jeanne Hanson Park, with city staff to manage site feasibility and maintenance — Approved (unanimous among commissioners present).