LIGHTS atop 18 poles at Beenleigh’s Doug Larsen Park have been powered up for the first time last Friday night.
The BMX freestyle and skate park will now be fully lit until 10pm every night.
They’ll then be dimmed to a level that allows improved monitoring of a 24-hour safety camera in the park.
The lighting upgrade follows a $3.1 million redevelopment of the halfpipes and ramps, opened in January 2020, along with new signage and landscaping across the park.
Local councillor Karen Murphy said it allowed recreational riders and skaters the chance to enjoy themselves in a brighter, safer environment.
The park is known to be one of the better facilities for riders and skaters, with people known to travel from other parts of Southeast Queensland to use it.
“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,” Cr Murphy said.
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.
