Doug Larsen Park

Beenleigh BMX at night is a bright idea

Half-pipe fun under the stars is now possible with new floodlights installed at Beenleigh’s Doug Larsen Park.

The lights atop 18 poles will be powered up for the first time tonight (Friday, August 19) as the next stage of Logan City Council’s multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the popular BMX freestyle and skate park facility.

The facility will be fully illuminated until 10pm each evening before the lights are automatically dimmed to a level that will allow improved monitoring of a 24-hour safety camera in the park.

The lighting upgrade was funded through Division 12 Councillor Karen Murphy’s Local Infrastructure Program along with funding from last year’s Budget and support from the Parks Asset Renewal Program.

It follows the $3.1 million redevelopment of the halfpipes and ramps, opened in January 2020, along with recent new signage and landscaping across the park.

City Lifestyle Chair, Councillor Laurie Koranski, said the new lights would further enhance the popularity of Doug Larsen Park within BMX and skateboard communities.

“Enthusiasts travel from all parts of South East Queensland to join locals in riding and skating at this facility and now they can stay a little longer and enjoy it even more,” Cr Koranski said.

Cr Murphy said the lighting upgrade would help deliver many benefits for the local community.

“I am delighted that we now have a facility that allows recreational riders and skaters to enjoy themselves in a brighter and safer environment,” Cr Murphy said.

“We also hope the venue will be chosen to host top-level competitions which will be great to watch and will also benefit the local economy.”

Youth support worker and keen skateboarder Tristian Strange, of Beenleigh, said the local BMX, skateboard and scooter community had been counting down the days for the lights to go on.

“This means the sun doesn’t set on our skatepark anymore,” he said.

“These lights ensure our community not only has more time to enjoy the park but they can practise their skills and build friendships in a safe, well-lit environment.”

BMX freestyle made its Olympic debut in Tokyo last year with Crestmead-raised Logan Martin winning the men’s gold medal.

Logan, along with representatives from Cycling Australia and the local BMX community, participated in a Council-run workshop that formulated the design and heights of the freestyle half-pipes and ramps at Doug Larsen Park in Logan Street at Beenleigh.

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