In Oswego, the long-awaited construction of an outdoor cricket stadium is gearing up to commence in the spring. This significant development comes after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made a crucial determination - it does not have jurisdiction over the wetlands on the property. As a result, the project can now move forward without the EPA's involvement. The land in question encompasses two small farmed wetlands totaling 0.61 acres and one non-farmed wetland covering 8.86 acres. Village Administrator Dan Di Santo believes this news will pave the way for the stadium's construction to begin in the upcoming spring season.

Project Details and Phases

Oswego resident Paresh Patel of Chakra360 LLC has submitted detailed plans to build a professional cricket stadium along with a clubhouse and restaurant. The stadium will be constructed on 33.48 acres at the northwest corner of Orchard Road and Tuscany Trail. In November 2023, the Oswego village trustees voted 4-1 to approve a special use permit for Phase 1 of the project, which includes the construction of the field and wicket along with the installation of underground drain tiles. Preliminary concept plans for all five phases of the project have also been recommended for approval. Voting "no" was Village Trustee Tom Guist, while Village Trustee Kit Kuhrt was absent from the meeting.The stadium's seating capacity will gradually increase in different phases. In Phase 2, it will be open for use with a seating capacity of 2,000. Phase 3 will bring the capacity up to 6,000, and Phase 4 will increase it to about 14,000 people. With the seating increased to 14,000, the stadium will be capable of accommodating national cricket events. Future plans involve completing second- and third-level stadium seating, which will bring the capacity to between 24,000 and 25,000 people. As proposed, the stadium will be a seasonal facility, operating from April to October. Traffic associated with the stadium will occur off-peak as games are played in the evenings and on weekends.Nearby residents and others have expressed concerns about the potential noise and traffic that the stadium will generate. However, Patel has taken proactive measures by agreeing to install a six-foot privacy fence along the west property line. He also plans to work closely with village officials to develop traffic control management plans. These plans will aim to discourage and prevent stadium traffic from using Tuscany Trail to the west of the facility. All stadium traffic will be directed to the Orchard Road access points.Patel has emphasized that the location is highly suitable for a cricket stadium. "Orchard Road is a highly traveled regional transportation corridor which can handle heavy traffic," he said. Additionally, he noted that plans call for a Metra commuter train station to be built near the site. This will provide convenient public transportation options as well as parking spaces for those attending the stadium events.The construction of this outdoor cricket stadium is set to bring a new dimension to Oswego. It will not only serve as a hub for cricket enthusiasts but also contribute to the local economy and community. With its phased development and various amenities, the stadium has the potential to become a major attraction in the region.