Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for Chesterfield’s new Beulah Park

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WRIC) -- Chesterfield Parks and Recreation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Beulah Park on Thursday.

On Thursday, April 18, county officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Beulah Park. They initially broke ground in December 2023. The Beulah Recreation Center opened earlier this year ar the site of the former Beulah Elementary School.

In the first phase of the Beulah Park project, officials converted the former school grounds into a grass area for the cricket pitch and two multipurpose fields with lights and irrigation, along with the construction of a combination restroom/shelter and a half-mile walking trail. 

PHOTOS: Chesterfield County breaks ground on Beulah Park for new cricket pitch field

“The county is thrilled to bring new activities and athletic opportunities to our residents at Beulah Recreation Center and Beulah Park,” said Dale District Supervisor Jim Holland. “The recreation center continues to be a community hub, bustling with activity, and I have no doubt this park will have the same positive impact on the citizens of Chesterfield County and the region.”

County leaders hope to be one of the few with a regulation-sized cricket facility that can help improve local sports tourism, bringing in teams from across Virginia and nearby states.

The county said that, behind soccer, cricket is the second-most-watched sport, and sports tournaments will only help the county's tourism sector grow.

Zulfi Khan, president of the Central Virginia Cricket Association, said that a cricket tournament will take place Memorial Day weekend at the park, featuring 19 teams.

“Parks and recreational spaces serve as a vibrant gathering place where people from diverse backgrounds interact, socialize and build meaningful connections,” said Jim Ingle, chair of the Board of Supervisors (Bermuda District). “This new cricket field reflects Chesterfield’s commitment to provide a multitude of sports and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. I’m confident this park will be a frequent first choice for many.”

The county said additional amenities, including a splash pad and playground, will open this summer.