Beenleigh’s Doug Larsen Park will undergo a $3.1million rebuild which will enable the BMX and skate park facility to host national level events that lead in to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The rebuild of the BMX and skate park comes after community consultation by Council which found there was unanimous support from local BMX, skateboard and scooter enthusiasts to upgrade the facility which has been an iconic gathering point for riders and skaters.
The design of the new course was finalised after Council hosted a workshop that included Logan’s BMX freestyle 2017 world champion Logan Martin along with representatives from Cycling Australia, Clint Millar from Colony BMX and Ross Lavender and Nathan Philps from the local BMX community.
The Doug Larsen Park freestyle BMX/Skate Park rebuild includes an international-standard steel ramp with a sound-dampening layer.
A new concrete riding surface will be laid and coated with a special waterproof epoxy sealant that covers slab joints and makes for smoother riding.
Earthworks will also be done to level the skate park to provide a smoother surface.
The existing half pipe at the park, which is part of the facility’s heritage, will be retained and refurbished.
City Parks, Animals, Environment and Waste Committee Chairperson, Councillor Jennie Breene said the redevelopment would further enhance Doug Larsen Park’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier BMX, skate and scooter facilities.
“Doug Larsen Park is already used for BMX competition and training and is extremely popular among recreational riders, skateboarders and scooter enthusiasts,” Cr Breene said.
“The new ramp and sealed course will take the park to the next level and hopefully help produce a future Olympic BMX gold medallist for Australia while also providing many hours of enjoyment for others who just ride and skate for fun and fitness.”
Mr Martin, who grew up in Crestmead, said he was ‘stoked’ to be part of Council’s planning process for a new BMX and skate park in his hometown.
“Full credit to Logan City Council for taking on board the opinions of both professional and recreational riders and skaters in designing their new course,” Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin still rides at least twice a week at Doug Larsen Park as part of his training for competing on the BMX world circuit.
“Doug Larsen (Park) has been a great place for years for BMX enthusiasts to gather.
“The new park is going to be an even better facility and definitely will be a huge boost for our next generation of champion riders and skaters.”
Cycling Australia Technical Director (BMX) Wade Bootes, who was also part of Council’s planning process, said the design of the new park course, half pipes and jump would align the new facility with existing requirements and formats to host top-level competition.
“This is a huge boost for the sport of freestyle BMX not just in Logan but across Australia,” Mr Bootes said.
“The new Doug Larsen BMX and Skate Park will be in contention to host national and international competitions which BMX riders can use in their preparations for Olympics and world championships.”
The Doug Larsen Park rebuild is scheduled to start in a few months. Works are expected to be completed in late 2019, weather permitting.
The facility will be closed during construction.
The park is named in honour of beloved Beenleigh community advocate and hard-working volunteer Alan Douglas (‘Doug’) Larsen OAM, who passed away in October 2002.
Other facilities in the park include playgrounds, a duck pond and viewing platform, barbecues and picnic areas, walking tracks and outdoor gym equipment.
Doug Larsen Park is also home to the Beenleigh BMX club who hold the lease on the BMX track adjacent to the BMX/Skate park.
