Dianella BMX Park one step closer

Dianella Regional Open Space is another step closer to becoming home to a new BMX park after Council approved concept designs for the exciting project at its meeting this week.

The facility will be located at the northern corner of the reserve at the corner of Alexander Drive and Light Street given its proximity to existing recreational facilities, public toilets and car parking areas.

Many of the site’s existing trees will be incorporated into the design of the BMX trail and the layout will make the most of naturally shaded areas.

Intended for use during daylight hours, the $630,000 BMX facility will be delivered in stages:
Stage 1 – A new pump track, viewing space and related infrastructure including shelter, drink fountains and bicycle racks
Stage 2 – A new perimeter skills trail
Stage 3 – A series of new jumps with beginner, intermediate and advanced options.

The City initially consulted with the community in mid-2018 to gather feedback on a potential BMX facility taking shape at the regional open space, and 85 per cent of respondents were supportive of the proposal.

The City then developed a concept plan for the project and encouraged the community to provide comment earlier this year. The majority of the 271 respondents were supportive of the overall look and feel of the plans.

City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said Council endorsement of the concept designs was another important milestone in delivering the City’s overarching Skate and BMX Strategy.

“With a quarter of Stirling’s population aged between 5 and 24, we are invested in delivering projects for local young people that they would like to see happen, and there has been a lot of community engagement to get to this point,” he said.

“Along with online surveys and information sessions, we also gathered some fantastic feedback from an important target audience – an eager group of local students from North Morley Primary School – to make sure the final product delivers.

“BMX and skate parks have successfully shown their advantages in many areas of Perth, around Australia and the world, thanks to their ability to cater for the individual recreation needs of young people, provide an avenue for face to face connection and encourage an active lifestyle.”

A big supporter of the City’s Skate and BMX Facility Strategy, Dianella resident Rob Evans said Council’s approval of the concept designs was a “big moment” for the project.

“It’s a great result for the broader cycling community,” Mr Evans said. “This facility allows for an appreciation of the outdoors and it will be a great opportunity to bring together youth, adults and a whole range of generations whether it’s for a ride or a picnic after a ride.
  
“It’s about building better communities through fitness opportunities and building mateship – I really look forward to riding it with my two kids.”

The next step in the process is to seek tenders from potential contractors to deliver the Stage 1 works.

Subject to contractor availability, Stage 1 is scheduled to reach completion in April 2021 and Stage 2 would open soon after in June 2021.

The City will consider a potential start date for Stage 3 after reviewing budget priorities next year and exploring potential grant funding opportunities.

For more information, head to www.stirling.wa.gov.au/your-city/your-say-stirling/dianella-bmx-facility​

Image: Dianella BMX Park concept design 1

Image: Dianella BMX Park concept design 2