fremont Residents Clash over Proposed Cricket Field in New Park
FREMONT, CA – November 22, 2025 – Plans for the Palm Avenue Community Park in fremont are facing opposition from local residents who are questioning the inclusion of a cricket field in the proposed design. While city officials tout the park as a much-needed recreational space, neighbors are voicing concerns about increased traffic, parking issues, and whether the sport truly reflects community priorities.
The proposed park, planned for construction starting in 2027 with an estimated 2028 opening, is intended to serve a part of Fremont “that has long needed more recreational space,” according to Mayor Raj Salwan. A previous city survey identified resident requests for features like a looped walking trail, public restrooms, and parking – cricket did not rank among the top priorities.
“It truly seems this whole effort has been beholden to one single interest group,” said Vinod Chandrashekaran, a park neighbor and immigrant from India who enjoys playing cricket with his son. Despite his personal fondness for the sport, Chandrashekaran fears the field will overwhelm the park and surrounding streets with crowds and vehicles. “I just don’t think this location is a great fit for a cricket field,” he stated, adding, “To me, honestly, the damage is done… I don’t really have trust in the (city planning department), nor the process at this point.”
The push for the cricket field comes from within the local cricket community. Hemant Buch, founder of Fremont’s California Cricket Academy, argues the field is essential to meet growing demand. He noted dozens of youth teams exist in the region, with over a dozen based in Fremont alone, and estimates the need for two new fields. Buch addressed safety concerns regarding the hard leather cricket ball, explaining that players under 15 use tennis balls rather, and asserted he’s never witnessed an injury in his 23 years of coaching.
“We need to call upon the community to really rally behind this project and forget about small inconveniences that they may get, such as more cars driving around their neighborhood,” Buch urged.
Mayor Salwan emphasized that the City Council, which has yet to discuss the park plans, will base its final decision on “extensive data, safety analysis, and community feedback.” The city is currently accepting responses to a second survey regarding the park through Sunday. The City Council is expected to review the feedback and provide input in the early part of next year. Councilman Yang Shao, representing the Mission San Jose district where the park is located, has not yet commented on the matter.
The debate highlights a growing tension between providing recreational opportunities for a diverse population and addressing the concerns of residents directly impacted by new developments. The Palm Avenue Community Park represents a meaningful investment in Fremont’s future, and the final design will likely reflect a careful balancing act between competing interests.
