Residents ‘pumped’ to try new BMX and skate track
Published 25 July 2022
Moreton Bay Regional Council is building on the hype of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics & Paralympics by completing a pumptrack for BMX, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and roller skates to enjoy at Blatchford Reserve, Murrumba Downs.
Mayor Peter Flannery said this $500,000 investment was just a snippet of what’s to come for the region with more planned over the coming years in the lead up to the 2032 Games, including the nearly complete $5 million national-level BMX precinct at Nolan Park, Brendale.
“If you’re a parent and you’ve never heard of a pumptrack then you might need to do some research because these are the new big thing for kids and even adults for that matter,” he said.
“This $500,000 facility at Blatchford Reserve, Murrumba Downs is the first of this size in Moreton Bay and we have plans to build more of these types of facilities over the coming years, so that young people have fun and interesting ways to exercise and socialise outdoors.
“The track is designed for riders to use the ramps and berms to gain momentum and cruise through the course without the need to pedal or push themselves.
“You can literally spend hours down here finding new ways to ride the track too with multiple different combinations and directions.
“Down the road at Nolan Park, Brendale we’re also nearing completion on a $5 million national level BMX facility thanks to input from the State Government’s Works For Queensland Program.
“I hope these brand-new facilities inspire the next generation of Olympic athletes from Moreton Bay to pick up a skateboard or a bike and maybe we’ll see them on TV or in person winning gold in 2032 on home soil.”
Councillor Yvonne Barlow (Div 7) said this was a major boost for not only Murrumba Downs but the entire region.
“I’ve never seen a facility that’s had more anticipation and excitement than this one - I had parents asking me when it was going to be open for weeks and the first weekend was packed with people of all ages trying it out for the first time,” she said.
“We’ve had people from as far away as Paddington making the trip up here, so it’ll have an economic impact on the local shops in the area too which is great to see for businessowners.
“Blatchford Reserve has become a great destination for families to come after school and on the weekends with all the upgrades Council has invested in over recent years with the brand new playground area too, so come and see it for yourself.”