A new BMX freestyle facility will be constructed at University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park to give the community a new place to meet and enable the hosting of BMX freestyle events.
The ACT Government will consult with Freestyle ACT BMX Club (FACT) and seek external contractors to design and construct the new facility, which will cater to the needs of beginners entering the sport, right through to elite level riders.
Special Minister of State Chris Steel said the new facility will be a great addition to the park and was another step towards realising the vision in the Stromlo Park Master Plan.
“This is all part of our plan to ensure University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park continues to be a world-class facility that attracts riders from around Australia across all sports including BMX,” said Special Minister of State Chris Steel.
“Investing in a purpose-built BMX freestyle facility will give riders a place to call their own, which we hope will be ready in time for ACT Jam, sponsored by Boost Mobile, in November 2023.
“The BMX facility was always planned at this location under the Stromlo Forest Park Master Plan and the government will continue to work with stakeholders to progress the rest of the vision with all users.
“This announcement comes on the back of a $2.8 million investment in the park, which includes a new flow trail from Stromlo to the Cotter, the development of a five-year Tracks and Trails Plan and a sponsorship deal with the University of Canberra.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said this investment demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to get all Canberrans moving more as outlined in CBR Next Move: Sport and Recreation Strategy 2023-2028.
“BMX is an increasingly popular activity and one of the most accessible forms of bike riding,” said Minister Berry.
“This facility will encourage more participation in active recreation in a suitable location, co-designed by the local BMX community to ensure it meets their needs now and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Co-founder of Freestyle ACT BMX Club, Tyson Jones-Peri:
“The BMX facility at UC Stromlo will be the perfect platform to showcase the pinnacle of bike riding.
“It’s important for Canberra to have a BMX jump facility that can host the world’s best BMX riders pushing the sport. It will put Canberra on the map for freestyle BMX worldwide, as well as bolster the strength of the BMX community in Canberra.
“With a facility that caters from beginner to elite, it will be an amazing place for the next generation to rub shoulders with the best riders in BMX and be inspired to ride for life.”
