Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020
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Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020
Acknowledgements
The Sunshine Coast Council project team would like
to recognise the significant number of individuals and
organisations for their contribution during the community
engagement process and in the development of this
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 for the
Sunshine Coast region. They include:
►► Sunshine Coast Council Councillors and officers
►► Project Reference Group members
►► community organisations (neighbourhood
community centres, surf clubs)
►► active facility users
Disclaimer
►► community members
This report has been prepared by the Wellbeing Planning
►► Department of Communities, Sport and Recreation
and Programs Unit, Sunshine Coast Council for the
Services
purposes of providing direction for addressing skate and
►► local businesses
BMX facilities and opportunities on the Sunshine Coast.
►► BMX sporting clubs
►► Skateboarding Australia Information in this report is based on available data at the
►► Stella Maris Catholic College time of writing. This is a strategic document which deals
►► Coolum State High School with technical matters in a summary way only. Council or
►► Maroochydore State High School its officers accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned
►► Caloundra State High School to any person acting or refraining from acting in reliance
►► Project Working Group members upon any material contained in this report.
►► Plan C project consultants
►► Convic Design © Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2011.
We would also like to give a special thanks to all skate www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
and BMX park users or user groups who were consulted mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
during the audit or through the ‘Meet us in the Park’ events T 07 5475 7272 F 07 5475 7277
for their valuable feedback, who are not mentioned above. Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560
Contents
Foreword...................................................................................................... 5
Message from the Mayor and Community Policy and Programs
Portfolio Councillor........................................................................................ 5
Executive summary..................................................................................... 6
1 Plan framework.................................................................................. 8
1.1 Purpose................................................................................................ 9
1.2 About this document............................................................................ 9
1.3 Background.......................................................................................... 9
1.4 Need..................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Scope................................................................................................... 9
1.6 Methodology....................................................................................... 10
1.7 Plan alignment................................................................................... 10
2 Strategic context.............................................................................. 12
2.1 The Sunshine Coast in context.......................................................... 13
2.2 Governance........................................................................................ 14
2.3 Skate and BMX facility user profiles................................................... 14
2.4 Participation rates.............................................................................. 15
2.5 Skate and BMX facility trends............................................................ 16
2.6 Differing needs of skaters and BMX riders......................................... 16
2.7 BMX dirt parks.................................................................................... 16
2.8 Skate and BMX economic development potential.............................. 17
2.9 Consultation findings summary.......................................................... 18
2.10 Methods to assist the delivery and maintenance of the Skate and
BMX Network..................................................................................... 19
2.11 Fencing.............................................................................................. 20
2.12 Development processes..................................................................... 20
3 Skate and BMX facility audit .......................................................... 22
3.1 Existing skate and BMX facilities....................................................... 23
3.2 Audit findings summary...................................................................... 23
3.3 Considerations for policy and strategy planning................................ 24
3.4 Skate and BMX facility type hierarchy................................................ 25
3.5 Existing skate and BMX facility network audit.................................... 26
3.6 Benchmarking.................................................................................... 28
4 Desired Standards of Service policy.............................................. 32
4.1 Catchment and provision standards................................................... 33
4.2 Site selection criteria for skate and BMX facilities.............................. 33
4.3 Site selection considerations.............................................................. 36
4.4 Development and management principles......................................... 38
4.5 Maintenance and management famework......................................... 40
4.6 Embellishments for skate and BMX facilities..................................... 42
5 Supply and demand assessment................................................... 44
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 3
6 Vision, strategy and recommendations......................................... 52
6.1 Vision................................................................................................. 53
6.2 Guiding principles............................................................................... 53
6.3 Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020
strategic framework............................................................................ 54
6.4 Strategies and actions........................................................................ 55
6.5 Abbreviations..................................................................................... 55
7 Existing facility recommendations................................................. 62
Beerwah District Skate and BMX Facility.................................................... 63
Bli Bli Local Skate and BMX Facility............................................................ 64
Kuluin Local Skate and BMX Facility........................................................... 65
Caloundra District Skate and BMX Facility.................................................. 66
Coolum District Skate and BMX Facility...................................................... 67
Cooran Neighbourhood Skate and BMX Facility......................................... 68
Cooroy Local Skate and BMX Facility and BMX Dirt Park.......................... 69
Currimundi Neighbourhood Skate and BMX Facility................................... 70
Dicky Beach District Skate and BMX Facility.............................................. 71
Eumundi Local Skate and BMX Facility...................................................... 72
Eudlo Local Skate and BMX Facility........................................................... 73
Boreen Point Neighbourhood Skate and BMX Facility................................ 74
Landsborough Local Skate and BMX Facility.............................................. 75
Little Mountain Neighbourhood Skate and BMX Facility............................. 76
Maleny Local Skate and BMX Facility......................................................... 77
Mapleton Local Skate and BMX Facility...................................................... 78
Pacific Paradise Local Skate and BMX Facility........................................... 79
Mudjimba Local Skate and BMX Facility..................................................... 80
Alexandra Headlands District Skate and BMX Facility................................ 81
Mooloolah Valley Local Skate and BMX Facility.......................................... 82
Mooloolah Valley BMX Race Facility........................................................... 83
Nambour District Skate and BMX Facility................................................... 84
Palmwoods Local Skate and BMX Facility.................................................. 85
Peregian Beach Local Skate and BMX Facility....................................... 86
Persimmon Park Skate Ditch................................................................ 86
Pomona Local Skate and BMX Facility....................................................... 87
Kenilworth Local Skate and BMX Facility.................................................... 88
Sippy Downs Neighbourhood Skate and BMX Facilities............................. 89
Sunshine Beach District Skate and BMX Facility........................................ 90
Tewantin Neighbourhood Skate and BMX Facility...................................... 91
Kawana District Skate and BMX Facility..................................................... 92
Yandina Local Skate and BMX Facility........................................................ 93
Yandina District BMX Race Facility............................................................. 94
Sundial BMX Park....................................................................................... 95
8 Planning, embellishment and implementation.............................. 96
Glossary................................................................................................... 102
Appendix 1: Site selection criterion checklist...................................... 105
4 Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020
Foreword
Message from the Mayor and Community Policy and Programs
Portfolio Councillor
The Sunshine Coast is renowned as diverse and vibrant network of skate and BMX
a lifestyle region – a place where our facilities into the future. The Sunshine Coast
residents and visitors can make the most Council has an important role in facilitating
of our warm climate and beautiful natural improved opportunities and outcomes for
assets to get outdoors and get active. publicly accessible community infrastructure
As one of Australia’s fastest growing and is committed to working with the community
regions, the Sunshine Coast will face many and key agencies to achieve this.
opportunities and challenges in meeting
Council has undertaken an extensive
the needs of current and future population
community engagement process to
growth to ensure we build healthy and
understand the needs of the community.
vibrant communities.
This information has been directly reflected
Sport and active recreation infrastructure play in the recommendations of this Plan, which
a vital role in providing opportunities to support provide clear guidance on how council can
healthy lifestyles and increase the wellbeing work in partnership with key agencies and the
of our communities. Skate and BMX facilities community to ensure the Sunshine Coast Skate
are particularly important as places for our and BMX Network continues to meet the needs
children and young people to get outdoors, of our diverse and growing communities.
increase their physical activity, enhance their
We commend the Sunshine Coast community
coordination and interact with their peers in a
for the valued input into the Sunshine Coast
positive way.
Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 and look
This Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan forward to working together to achieve the
2011-2020 provides a framework to respond to community’s aspirations and council's vision ‘to
growth and change throughout the region and be Australia’s most sustainable region – vibrant,
ensure our communities continue to access a green and diverse.’
Cr Jenny McKay
Cr Bob Abbot
Community Policy and Programs
Mayor
Portfolio Councillor
Executive summary
Skate and BMX facilities play a significant
The vision of the Sunshine Coast Skate and
role in the region’s community infrastructure
BMX Plan 2011-2020 is ‘to offer a diverse
and building the social capital of our
range of quality skate and BMX facilities
existing 70,000 children and young people.
and broader infrastructure across the region
It is important that Sunshine Coast Council
which positively contributes towards the
understands this role and develops a
Sunshine Coast’s character, identity and
framework which responds to population
vibrancy and helps attain physically active
growth demands, the changing needs of
and healthy communities.’
skate and BMX facility users and community
planning processes.
Four outcome areas have been identified which
The Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan support this vision:
2011-2020 has been developed to guide the ►► planning a diverse and accessible Skate and
planning, development and management of the BMX Network
Skate and BMX Network across the Sunshine
►► sustainably utilising skate and BMX facilities
Coast region for the next 10 years.
►► keeping the community well informed and
The Skate and BMX Network is defined as involved
publicly accessible skate and BMX facilities, ►► collaborating and developing partnerships.
which includes 32 concrete skate and BMX
facilities and four BMX Dirt Parks within These outcome areas have been identified
council’s recreation parks and sports grounds. from community engagement and stakeholder
consultation, and outline how council and key
These facilities currently accommodate
agencies will work together over the next ten
the needs of a range of users including
years in the implementation of this Plan.
skateboarders, BMX and mountain bike riders,
roller bladers, scooter riders, rip-stick riders Key features of this Plan include:
and in-line skaters. In the future it is proposed ►► a Desired Standards of Service guide
that more contemporary venues consider the ►► an implementation plan
inclusion of other community functions to cater
►► annual management and maintenance
for a broader audience.
estimates
This network currently performs well in terms ►► the identification of partnership opportunities
of quantity, however a number of failings have
►► information to inform council’s planning
been identified in the development of this Plan.
processes and charging schedules.
These include:
►► the majority of the region’s facilities are The Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan
small-scale with duplicated styles, elements 2011-2020 has been prepared collaboratively
and experiences which only service localised with the community and contributes towards
catchment areas the achievement of council's vision ‘to be
►► user conflicts due to poor facility design and Australia's most sustainable region – vibrant,
placement green, diverse’ by providing opportunities for
healthy, active and vibrant Sunshine Coast
►► poor linkages to transport and other
communities.
community infrastructure.
In response, the Sunshine Coast Skate
and BMX Plan 2011-2020 outlines council’s
approach to working with key stakeholders/
partners to address these issues and maximise
the opportunities of the network to ensure
it meets the changing needs of the growing
population on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 7
1 Plan framework
1.1 Purpose 1.3 Background
The Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan Prior to the formation of the Sunshine Coast
2011-2020 articulates council’s commitment Council in 2008, the three previous councils
and intent with regard to the provision, in the local government areas of Caloundra,
embellishment and management of the Maroochy and Noosa demonstrated a
region’s skate and BMX facilities for existing commitment to skate and BMX facilities through
and future generations. a variety of practices and planning methods.
These practices and various forms of planning
It also provides a strong policy framework to
have provided important references and were
be used as a guide in relation to planning,
essential in preparing a new, integrated regional
allocation of resources and the development
strategy for future planning that meets the
and management of our Skate and BMX
needs of diverse communities.
Network across the region.
A detailed review of council’s current strategy
The purpose of the Plan is to:
frameworks, strategic documents and policies
►► inform council’s planning and operational
has been conducted to ensure the Plan
activities and council’s higher-order strategic aligns with and supports Sunshine Coast
documents Council frameworks and priorities. Previously
►► guide council and community decision- recommended facility sites identified have been
making for the next 10 years brought forward and reconsidered as part of this
►► engage the community and educate investigation process. A comprehensive review
stakeholders to respond to the growing of all previous documents and guiding strategies
demand for skate and BMX facilities is contained in Volume 2: Plan support.
►► drive a range of actions to deliver upon the
vision for the next 10 years. 1.4 Need
The need to prepare the Sunshine Coast Skate
1.2 About this document and BMX Plan 2011-2020 has also emerged
This document has been informed by from:
two supporting resources which outlined ►► a significant number of requests for
the findings of preliminary research and improvement and development of facilities
consultation. A brief overview of the structure ►► the need to prioritise capital projects to
of these documents is outlined in Table 1: improve and provide for skate and BMX
Structure of supporting documents. demands
►► the need to define the role of council in the
provision of skate and BMX facilities
Table 1: Structure of supporting documents ►► council’s priority to ‘encourage healthy and
Volume 2 balanced lifestyles and promote physical
activity and recreation’ (Sunshine Coast
Plan support
Council Corporate Plan 2009-2014).
►► Literature review
►► Legislation review 1.5 Scope
►► Demographic analysis
►► Participation and activity trends This Plan focuses on the Sunshine Coast
►► Resource management and opportunity Council local government area and conducted
provision an analysis of public skate and BMX facilities
►► Consultation outcomes across the region including both concrete skate
►► Risk inspection checklist and BMX facilities and BMX dirt parks through
Volume 3
council’s 44 Localities of Interest.
Supporting resources The Plan also acknowledges the existence of
one privately owned skate and BMX facility at
►► Summary of Locality of Interest findings Buderim and reviews opportunities for future
►► Locality of Interest audit partnership arrangements which can further
►► Facility audit
contribute to the region's network.
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 9
1.6 Methodology The Corporate Plan identifies a number of key
Table 2: Methodology approach outlines the themes, which are important for consideration
three-stage approach undertaken in preparation as part of this Plan, including:
of the Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan ►► Social Cohesion
2011-2020. ►► Health and Wellbeing
►► Accessibility and Connectedness.
Table 2: Methodology approach A number of corporate strategies stem from
Stage 1 the Corporate Plan. Of particular importance
to the success of this Plan is the Sunshine
Background research, audit and community
Coast Open Space Strategy 2011 and
engagement
subsequent Recreation Park Plan (currently
►► Inspection of facilities under development) which articulate council’s
►► Community consultation – Round 1 commitment, role and intent in the provision of
►► Identification of trends and issues open space for existing and future generations.
►► Identification of maintenance requirements Skate and BMX facilities rely on the provision
►► Formulation of a regional hierarchy and and embellishment of open spaces through
establishment of Desired Standards of Service
recreation parks and sports grounds across the
region. Therefore recommendations within this
Stage 2 Plan closely align with council’s Open Space
Analysis and Plan development Strategy framework to ensure clear and well
articulated guidance for the future provision
►► Analysis of data and research literature review and embellishment of skate and BMX facilities
►► Identification of trends and issues
across the region.
►► Drafting of Plan
►► Undertake peer review As a result, this Plan informs and supports the
►► Community consultation – Round 2 Open Space Strategy and provides specific
►► Internal staff workshop policy direction for the planning, development
and management of skate and BMX facilities
Stage 3 throughout the region.
Final Plan While specific actions are recommended in
►► Finalisation of Plan relation to some key issues, the Sunshine
►► Adoption by council Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 is
►► Implementation and further community primarily concerned with strategy and policy
engagement direction and is intended to provide operational
guidance, not details. However, it does outline
guiding principles and proposes a number of
1.7 Plan alignment actions which involve planning, management
The Sunshine Coast Council Corporate Plan and design of skate and BMX facilities.
2009-2014 outlines the priorities and strategies Outcomes of these strategies will contribute
council will pursue over time to achieve its towards the achievement of council’s vision and
corporate goals. Council’s commitments are future Community Plan aspirations. Figure 1:
articulated in this document which states that Council's policy framework outlines how the
‘an active and healthy community is resilient Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-
and enhances the quality of people’s life’. 2020 align to council's policy framework.
Council plays a role in community wellbeing
through implementing safety initiatives,
preventative health and education programs,
provision of community sport and recreational
opportunities and facilitating community
interaction. Council's also responsible for
ensuring the region’s preparedness to deal with
natural disasters.
10 Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020Community Plan
Innovation and creativity Managing growth
Accessibility
Robust Health and Social Ecological Great
and
economy wellbeing cohesion sustainability governance
connectedness
Productivity People People People Planet
Social
Sustainable Affordable Social
Planning Cultural Open Space
Transport Living Infrastructure
Framework
Sport and
Recreation Recreation
Active
Trail Park
Recreation
Skate and BMX
Figure 1: Council's policy framework
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 112 Strategic context
2.1 The Sunshine Coast in context Map 1: Sunshine Coast in context
The Sunshine Coast is a rapidly growing region
located approximately 100 kilometres north of
Brisbane (see Map 1: Sunshine Coast in context).
The Sunshine Coast itself is a sub-region of
the South East Queensland (SEQ) Regional
Planning area. The SEQ region is recognised by
Queensland Department of Infrastructure and
Planning as one of Australia’s fastest growing
regions, which extends north from the Gold Coast
to Noosa, and west to Toowoomba.
Table 3: Sunshine Coast quick facts12
Population (2008)1 310,000 people
Population 25.4%
aged 5-24 years
Forecast population 500,000 people (approx.)
(2031)
Average growth 9-10,000 people per year
(1986-2006)
Total dwellings (2006) 122,811
Dwellings – detached 76%
Overnight visitors 2
3 million per year
(Extract from the Sunshine Coast Council Housing Needs
Assessment, 2009.) The central coastal area of the region is also
The population of the Sunshine Coast makes up the largest contributor to the Sunshine Coast
about 10 per cent of the population of South East economy and home to the Principal Activity
Queensland. The region has and will continue Centre (PAC) of Maroochydore. The major
to experience levels of population growth that urban areas of Caloundra, Golden Beach,
exceeds state and national averages. This Kings Beach, Maroochydore, Alexandra
population base is mostly concentrated along the Headlands, Mooloolaba, Coolum, Tewantin
coast, all the way from Golden Beach in the south and Noosa Heads accommodate a relatively
to Noosa Heads in the north. Urban development broad mix of low, medium and high density
to date has been largely concentrated within 10 residential developments, in addition to a
kilometres of the coastline. range of commercial and community services.
These areas are also the major focus of visitor
However, this relative share of population is accommodation and services in the region.
likely to change over time until 2031, as some
of these suburbs approach their capacity, In addition, a number of the hinterland towns,
and ‘newer’ suburbs such as Sippy Downs, such as Beerwah, Maleny, Nambour, Yandina,
Palmview and Caloundra South are developed, Eumundi and Cooroy also support thriving
increasing allowable densities and hence rural communities and play an important role
population numbers. in defining the character and identity of the
Sunshine Coast.
1
Population figures drawn from Department of The Sunshine Coast has a greater percentage
Infrastructure and Planning – Planning Information
and Forecasting Unit (PIFU) – Population and
of residents aged over 65 years and a lower
housing fact sheet (August 2008) percentage of residents aged 15 to 24 years
2
Tourism figures drawn from Tourism Research compared to SEQ. Conversely, the percentage
Australia – Tourism Profiles for Local Government of residents aged 5 to 14 years on the Sunshine
Areas in Regional Australia (March 2008) Coast is comparable to SEQ.
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 132.2 Governance 2.3 Skate and BMX facility user
At a time when significant growth is occurring profiles
on the Sunshine Coast, there are many The predominant age range of users of
competing activities and priorities in our concrete skate and BMX facilities and
region. To maintain a competitive edge, it is infrastructure usually tends to peak between
important to attract appropriate activities whilst the ages of 5 to 16 years and slowly decline
maintaining the quality of life that makes the between the ages of 16 to 24 years. However,
Sunshine Coast so unique. In order to achieve consultation and background research,
this, the Sunshine Coast Council needs to conducted as part of this Plan, also indicated
embrace a sustainable approach to providing a broad range of users which extends up to 50
opportunities and an environment which years of age, resulting in an intergenerational
positively contributes to improvement in the use of skate and BMX facilities on the Sunshine
health and wellbeing of our community. Coast.
In response, council recognises the need for a The predominant age range of BMX (bicycle
quadruple bottom line approach to planning and motocross) off-road bicycle racing was identified
governance through its vision ‘to be Australia’s as being between 6 to 12 years. However,
most sustainable region – vibrant, green, consultation and research also indicated that
and diverse’ and this Plan forms part of that this Olympic sport appears to be growing in
governance framework which assists towards popularity with riders ranging in age from 3 to
the attainment of council’s vision. 60 years of age, resulting in intergenerational
use of BMX dirt racing facilities.
As a result, localised demographic population
information for the age cohort of 5 to 24 years
was predominately utilised (where available) to
benchmark provision standards for skate and
BMX facilities across the region (see Table 4:
Population profile findings).
It is also important that the Sunshine Coast
Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 recognises
that contemporary facilities must be designed to
accommodate and integrate a number of styles
and other community requirements.
Table 4: Population profile findings
Population profile findings
Age Sunshine Coast South East Queensland
5-14 38,014 people 13.8% 350,670 people 13.6%
15-24 31,951 people 11.6% 367,394 people 14.2%
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006
See Volume 2: Plan support and Volume 3: Support resources for a more detailed demographic analysis.
14 Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-20202.4 Participation rates In relation to young people aged 15 to 24
In 2006, involvement in skateboarding, years, 6.7 per cent participated in cycling
rollerblading, scooter riding and bike riding3 and 1.3 per cent participated in roller sports
in Australia by children aged 5 to 14 years (which include inline hockey, rollerblading,
over a two week period was 24 per cent and skateboarding and all other roller sports).
68 per cent respectively and in 2009 this altered In Queensland, children aged 5 to 14 years
to 49.3 per cent and 60.4 per cent respectively. have the third highest rate of participation in
Children aged 8, 9 and 10 years have the skateboarding/rollerblading compared to other
highest participation rates in skateboarding/ states and territories. Whereas, bike riding in
rollerblading at 28.5 per cent, 30.8 per cent, Queensland has the fifth highest participation
28.4 per cent respectively. Children aged 5, 6 rate compared to other states and territories.
and 7 years have the highest participation rates
in bike riding at 75.1 per cent, 75.0 per cent and Research5 also reveals that approximately
76.3 per cent respectively. 48 per cent of children aged 5 to 14 years who
participate in skateboarding/rollerblading and
In 2008, cycling4 (which includes the riding of bike riding did so for two hours or less and
BMX bicycles at skate facilities) rated fourth males in Australia have a higher participation
in the top ten physical activities in Australia, rate in skateboarding/rollerblading and bike
with a total participation rate of 10.2 per cent. riding compared to females.
3
Refers to informal physical activity and includes 5 Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006,
BMX and mountain bike Children's Participation in Cultural and Leisure
4
Is defined as BMX and mountain bike riding Activities, Australia.Standing Committee on
Recreation and Sport, 2009, Participation in Exercise,
Recreation and Sport Survey 2008 Annual Report.
The Superstudy of Sports Participation, Volume II,
Recreational Sports (2004). American Sports Data,
Inc. Hartsdale, N.Y. Womensport Queensland Fact
Sheet, Female Participation in Sport.
Implications to the Plan
Participation
►► Ensure development of an adequate number of skate and BMX facilities given the high
participation in these activities compared to other forms of recreation.
►► Ensure skate facilities include beginner areas to meet the needs of the highest percentage of
skate and BMX participants aged 5 to 16 years.
►► Ensure equity issues are addressed in terms of provision for children and young people.
►► Ensure safety issues are addressed when designing and locating facilities.
►► Development of national standard skate and BMX facilities may assist in attracting and
retaining children, young people and young families within the Sunshine Coast region.
►► Maximise facility utilisation by providing pathway connections and public transport options to
all facilities.
►► Improvements in physical activity will help to reduce chronic diseases and the burden on the
health system.
►► Ensure consultation with user groups to design facilities and encourage diverse usage.
►► Consider co-location with compatible activities.
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 152.5 Skate and BMX facility trends alternative active recreation activity populating
Globally, skate and BMX facilities are becoming skate and BMX facilities.9 On the Sunshine
more diverse in terms of style and types of Coast, as a result of the small number of
facilities, given the increasing popularity for and existing skate and BMX facilities and the
evolution of these activities (see Glossary). popularity of skateboarding, BMX and scooter
riding, overcrowding, congestion and collision
Best practice research reveals a trend in issues at popular facilities are occurring which
the development of larger, diverse, more in turn creates significant user-conflicts that
challenging and integrated skate and BMX could be avoided through more considerate
facilities.6 The development of skate dots and design solutions.
spots (smaller scale, single or minimal element
facilities integrated within an urban or park 2.6 Differing needs of skaters and
setting) is emerging as a speedy and efficient
means of delivering facilities within easy access
BMX riders
to a large number of active users. Skaters and BMX riders, while both utilising
the same facility, have their own specific
Currently, there is an international trend requirements. In North America and some areas
toward street/skate plaza style skating with in Australia (i.e. Beenleigh) separate purpose-
an approximate 78 per cent of skaters (mostly built facilities for each discipline are being
young skaters) identifying as street skaters.7 developed instead of incorporating skate and
However, there are limited opportunities for BMX elements in the one facility. This approach
legalised street skating on the Sunshine Coast should be considered within the conceptual
due to the deficiency in street elements within process of designing future facilities.
current facilities. Best practice in the United
States currently recommend a balance of
2.7 BMX dirt parks
60 per cent street to 40 per cent transition
elements for skate facilities. Specific BMX dirt parks offer BMX riders an
opportunity to hone their skills. The introduction
Integrated, multi-use youth and skate and of these sport-specific parks can help to reduce
BMX facilities are emerging around Australia the intensity of use on other skate and BMX
(i.e. Redland Youth Plaza and Geelong Youth facilities as well as reducing some conflicts
Activities Area). Better designed facilities that associated with overcrowding at concrete skate
consider the needs of a broader range of young and BMX facilities.
people (e.g. seating, shade, art elements
and events infrastructure) can increase the However, BMX dirt parks require a higher
attractiveness of facilities to a greater range of level of maintenance and care and greater risk
young people and the broader community. management controls than concrete skate and
BMX facilities due to the inherent nature of dirt
The activation of skate and BMX facilities jumps eroding and dirt infrastructure suffering
as event spaces is also a growing trend that the effects of the SEQ climate. Larger BMX dirt
makes these facilities more accessible to a parks are usually provided when demands are
wider range of the community. well understood and a BMX club can be given
the responsibility to maintain such facilities. The
Freestyle BMX (the name given to people who
provision of smaller dirt parks needs careful
perform tricks and stunts on a BMX consisting
assessment, as the resource requirements
of five disciplines: ‘street’, ‘park’, ‘vert’, ‘trails’
to effectively maintain and manage the risks
or ‘dirt jumping’, and ‘flatland’) is a growing
associated with these are onerous.
activity8 and scooter riding is now a popular
6
Identified from national and international research
and outcomes from consultation across various skate
and BMX projects in SEQ and Australia
7
Board Trac survey, 2006
8
Standing Committee on Recreation and Sport, 2009,
Participation In Exercise, Recreation And Sport
Survey 2008 Annual Report, and Sport England, 9
From observations with skate and BMX facility users
2008, Active People Survey 2007/08 and industry stakeholder consultation
16 Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-20202.8 Skate and BMX economic existing or planned supporting infrastructure
development potential and services, such as public transport, retail
outlets, restaurants/cafés, accommodation
Consultation undertaken as part of this Plan
and complementary community and cultural
revealed that dedicated skaters and BMX riders
infrastructure.
are highly mobile and are willing to travel long
distances to high quality facilities which offer a There may be a need to investigate potential
unique experience. Such facilities attract users private partnerships in these central locations
regionally, nationally and internationally. ‘Skate as the land availability is usually at a premium.
Tourism’ is increasing in the SEQ region and Partnerships within shopping centres or
there is an excellent opportunity for Sunshine large building developments could also be
Coast Council to capitalise on the economic considered rather than utilising the traditional
development potential, cost recovery and social open space land.
benefits these facilities offer. This also indicates
that in developed areas (with high 17 to 24 Private providers in other areas (e.g. Ramp
year user participation and advanced public Attack in Geebung, Brisbane) have started
transport systems servicing outlying areas) catering to growing SEQ skate and BMX
large facilities may be able to be located outside tourism demands by providing major indoor
of urban areas. However, given the Sunshine skate and BMX facilities within industrial
Coast’s user-profile and largely dispersed precincts. This trend provides an example
urban population, a central area would be more of how private providers may be able to
desirable due to potential for complementary complement council’s Skate and BMX Network
business development and the availability of in the future.
Implications to the Plan
Trends, needs and tourism
►► There is a lack of diversity in facility styles, particularly street style/skate plaza facilities.
►► There is a need to build/upgrade existing facilities into larger scale facilities to cater to the
needs of a range of active and passive user groups and other youth functions.
►► Skate dots and spots can help to complete the network of opportunities and provide for
moderate needs in isolated areas some distance from another facility.
►► Opportunity to integrate skate and BMX facilities easily within other recreation and community
infrastructure environments.
►► Concentrate on larger BMX dirt parks which can be managed by a BMX club. Consider MOUs
with community groups to manage smaller parks or consider removal from the network.
►► Capitalise on economic development potential, cost recovery and social benefits by
developing facilities that appeal to skate and BMX tourism (i.e. larger facilities).
►► A need to investigate optimum locations for large scale and iconic facilities.
►► Develop Desired Standards of Service which help detail the rationale for future provision and
embellishment levels for skate and BMX facilities across the region.
►► Develop informative signage including code of conduct and risk management instructions for
skate and BMX facility users across the region.
►► Consider mechanisms within the planning scheme to support the compatibility of indoor
skate and BMX facilities within industrial land use and other suitable precincts and pursue
partnership opportunities with private providers.
►► Recognise that private providers may have a role in the future Skate and BMX Network
through the provision of indoor facilities in central locations within shopping centres or large
building developments.
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 172.9 Consultation findings summary ►► conflict between skaters and BMX riders,
A consultation process was undertaken to including serious collisions, is a key safety
ensure that the ideas, aspirations and concerns issue
of users and wider community members were ►► pathway access to some facilities is lacking
considered in the development of this Plan. ►► poor proximity of facilities to public transport
Consultation findings were developed using makes access difficult
a wide range of engagement tools including ►► key management issues include the adverse
skate and BMX reference group meetings, affects of graffiti and high pressure cleaning
Councillor telephone interviews, council officer on facility surfaces, user participation in
workshops, online forum, school workshops, design and maintenance, and encouraging
‘Meet us in the Park’ events, a community better relationships with surrounding
sector workshop, telephone interviews, key businesses.
stakeholder and roving interviews, online
surveys and a community forum. The results of Additionally, in recent years, council
the consultation and stakeholder engagement has received a number of requests for
processes and an assessment of the condition improvements to existing facilities or
of the current facilities have identified that: development of new facilities. However, due to
►► the majority of sites are ageing rapidly and the informal nature of the activity it is difficult to
some no longer meet the needs of users obtain relevant statistical data on the rates of
participation within the community to support
►► the existing BMX dirt jumps are in poor
these requests.
condition and are costly to maintain
►► some facilities have been developed in A comprehensive overview of consultation
inappropriate locations (poor visibility, difficult findings can be found in Volume 2: Plan
to access, too close to other land uses) support.
Implications to the Plan
Consultation
►► Many facilities require upgrades/embellishments and complementary amenities.
►► Facilities should incorporate a variety of elements/design styles to ensure they offer a range of
diverse opportunities and can reduce user conflicts and impacts.
►► Small freestyle BMX parks are difficult and costly to maintain to safe standards and are not
meeting user needs.
►► There appears to be strong support for new major skate and BMX facilities which are located
in close proximity to public transport and/or in accessible locations.
►► Inappropriately located facilities may require relocation in the longer term.
18 Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-20202.10 Methods to assist the delivery Table 5: Assistance mechanisms
and maintenance of the Skate Partner Mechanism
and BMX Network Development Monetary contributions
Council currently pays both capital and ongoing contributions triggered through the
maintenance costs for the majority of skate development process
and BMX facilities on the Sunshine Coast. As a
Infrastructure Community infrastructure
result, it is important that council maximise the agreements contributed through a
support and resources available to help create, development agreement,
embellish, maintain and manage this essential usually for major development
community infrastructure. areas
The Statutory Guideline (SPA) 01/09 Priority Government Various state and federal
Infrastructure Plans and Infrastructure Charges grants community grants are available
Schedule details the elements which may be which usually contribute
included in the calculation of the ‘chargeable’ towards the cost of capital
component of any infrastructure plan. In respect works.
to skate parks, capital works to support growth Community These groups (such as BMX
are eligible to be included in infrastructure organisations clubs) can maintain facilities
charges calculations and this Plan will inform such as BMX dirt parks.
this process.
Private Commercial skate and BMX
Research and consultation revealed a variety of providers providers can establish and run
methods (see Table 5: Assistance mechanisms) (usually) large indoor facilities.
which can assist in the delivery and
management of the Skate and BMX Network
and these methods should be exploited in an
endeavour to help ensure the best possible
outcome for the community.
Implications to the Plan
Methods to assist delivery and maintenance of the Skate and BMX Network
►► The delivery of future skate and BMX infrastructure has the potential to be included within
infrastructure agreements within major development areas.
►► New skate facilities catering for growth may be eligible to be included in infrastructure
charges.
►► State and federal funding can complement available funding and enhance the network.
►► Community partnerships with community organisations can help towards maintaining the
quality of the network, particularly BMX dirt parks.
►► Private providers can provide ‘pay for use’ usually high-quality facilities and this can
complement council’s own Skate and BMX Network.
►► Opportunities for private providers to contribute towards the network should be considered.
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 192.11 Fencing 2.12 Development processes
The fencing or delineation of skate and BMX The development of new or redevelopment of
facilities is a somewhat topical issue. Current existing skate and BMX facilities can occur in
observations, user feedback and consultation several ways:
with internal staff indicates that there may ►► Greenfield development for a new facility
be value in the fencing of some facilities, on currently undeveloped land in dedicated
particularly sites which: parkland areas created through both a
►► experience regular anti-social behaviour structure and master planning process for
►► require delineated space new urban areas
►► are identified as requiring fencing following ►► new Brownfield development where facilities
a Crime Prevention Through Environmental are integrated within existing urban areas
Design (CPTED) analysis and audit usually on existing parkland or council owned
►► require higher levels of asset protection
land
►► upgraded facilities where smaller scale
►► are part of a facility management
facilities are upgraded to a higher
arrangement
categorisation
►► are a public risk.
►► skate dots and spots are integrated to
Technical specifications must ensure fencing existing public spaces and streetscapes
can withstand vandalism and the site specific as part of public art, place making, as
elements. improvement schemes or small-scale
development.
This Plan’s recommendations have considered
the opportunties and constraints of various
development models in Volume 2: Plan
support and Volume 3: Support resources and
outlines where facilities have the potential to
be upgraded or developed with least impact to
existing or new communities.
Implications to the Plan
Fencing and development process
►► Fencing may be required at some facilities. Any fencing installed must be able to withstand
vandalism and any site specific elements.
►► While key localities in established areas have been identified, the availability of appropriate
land is a challenging factor to future development.
►► It is usually easier to redevelop existing facilities as opposed to finding new sites.
►► Sites that have the benefit of forward planning, therefore the Plan should make
recommendations to match predicted demand.
►► Skate dots and spots can complement the neighbourhood/local facility network across the
Sunshine Coast region.
20 Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 21
3 Skate and BMX facility audit
3.1 Existing skate and BMX facilities ►► Majority of facilities are beginner to
In total, there are currently 36 facilities across intermediate. Most do not cater for advanced
the Sunshine Coast comprising 32 concrete users.
skate and BMX facilities and four BMX dirt ►► Lack of challenge level/variety likely to create
parks. Map 2: Existing Skate and BMX Facilities conflict between users.
provides the indicative location and type of ►► Larger facilities do not cater well for beginners.
each facility.
Use and facility users
3.2 Audit findings summary ►► Increased popularity for scooters (particularly
A comprehensive audit of the existing skate younger riders) and increasing demand for
and BMX facility supply across the region was children’s areas to be integrated within skate
undertaken, with the full findings provided in and BMX facilities.
Volume 3: Supporting resources. The following ►► Mid-week – more scooters and youngsters
section provides a summary of the key findings. under 14 years of age.
Table 7: Skate and BMX facility type hierarchy ►► Weekends – more skaters and BMX riders
defines local and district facilities. with less scooters, mostly 14 years and older.
►► Inter-generational use (generally fathers with
Scale
sons/daughters).
►► The majority of existing facilities in the region
►► More mobile skaters from outside Sunshine
are small-scale, local level facilities only
Coast present.
servicing neighbourhood catchment areas.
►► Approximately equal numbers skaters and
►► The largest facilities in the region service a
BMX riders using concrete facilities with
few surrounding and immediate local areas.
some user conflicts observed.
►► Current facilities provide opportunities to be
►► Conflicts due to poor facility design and
expanded or upgraded over time.
placement.
►► Poor transport linkages to facilities.
Distribution and provision of existing facilities
►► There is a good distribution of local skate and
Management and maintenance
BMX facilities across the region, comprised
mainly of small scale skate parks servicing ►► The large number of small scale facilities is
the local catchments. onerous and expensive to maintain. Figures
►► There are few freestyle BMX facilities, due
from the former Maroochy Shire estimate
annual maintenance costs of cleaning, graffiti
to the resources required to adequately
removal, inspections and minor maintenance
maintain these facilities (see Glossary).
is approximately $9500 per facility. The
►► There is a deficiency in purpose-built
greatest proportion of this cost is cleaning
concrete freestyle BMX facilities. (see Volume 2: Plan support).
►► There are no indoor facilities in the region. ►► Shade sails cost up to $7000 to repair each
time they are damaged. Users indicated a
Style of facility preference for additional elements in lieu of
►► The majority of the region’s local facilities shade structures.
duplicate styles, elements and experiences. ►► 60 per cent of skate and BMX facilities have
►► 62 per cent of parks have transition/ramps some level of erosion around platforms and
(with minimal street elements). embankments.
►► There is a lack of street style and flow style ►► 42 per cent have some level of rough, pitted
facilities across the study area. and cracked surfaces and uneven joins,
generally on the older facilities.
Challenge levels ►► 14 per cent have been identified to experience
►► 94 per cent of skate parks include beginner some level of drainage/water issues.
elements, 79 per cent intermediate and ►► 14 per cent have damaged coping to varying
17 per cent advanced elements. degrees.
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 23►► Mixed amenities support facility provision economic value of the region. To ensure this
(e.g. water, seating, shade, toilets) and are network is managed and developed to keep
generally accessible, but not always directly pace with growth, change and community
servicing the skate park. expectations requires detailed planning. To
►► A small number of facilities lack basic assist this process the Skate and BMX Network
amenities (i.e. seating and rubbish bins). has been itemised into a number of key
►► Some perceptions of anti-social behaviours
elements (see Table 6: Key network elements).
associated with certain facilities.
►► One facility is managed by Caloundra Aquatic Table 6: Key network elements
Lifestyle Centre, who charge for entry and
provide toilets and first aid if required. The Element Description
cost of entry was raised during consultation. Facility type The type and capacity of the
infrastructure
3.3 Considerations for policy and Subtype The function and size of what will
strategy planning be found
Audit and consultation findings clearly Catchment The distance people travel to the
determined that the Sunshine Coast has a facility
functional and highly valued Skate and BMX
Provision The amount of infrastructure or
Network which contributes to the lifestyle,
facilities provided
character, social, cultural, environmental and
Implications to the Plan
Audit
►► The existing skate and BMX facility network is deficient in larger scale facilities.
►► The majority of facilities (62 per cent) are of a dominant style (bowls, pools, transitions). There
are currently no skate plazas or multi-use spaces available.
►► The majority of facilities on the Sunshine Coast primarily cater for beginner to intermediate
users, with minimal opportunity for advanced users.
►► Although the younger generation identify themselves as street skaters, generally the older
generation prefer ramp and bowl/pool style facilities, so a mix of facility styles and skill levels
needs to be maintained.
►► There are currently no skate and BMX facilities on the Sunshine Coast in line with the latest
national and international design trends.
►► There are recurring management and maintenance issues at a large number of facilities.
►► The current network of smaller facilities is onerous and expensive to maintain. However this
network is proving suitable at present given the broadly spread out population base, lack of
larger, more diverse facilities and connections to public transport.
►► An investment in upgrading some facilities while removing other smaller facilities will not
create large increases in maintenance costs.
►► Long term investment in larger, better designed and constructed facilities will provide greater
benefit to community and council.
►► Hierarchy and provision standards for the Sunshine Coast region will help develop an
equitable network.
►► Linkages to public transport systems are a primary consideration for future facilities.
►► A need to review the cost and entry structure at Caloundra Aquatic Lifestyle Centre.
24 Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-20203.4 Skate and BMX facility type hierarchy
For benchmarking and future provisioning purposes all current and proposed future skate and BMX
facilities have been categorised into four key areas to reflect the facilities size, type and function
(see Table 7: Skate and BMX facility type hierarchy).
Table 7: Skate and BMX facility type hierarchy
Facility type Subtype Function/user benefit
Neighbourhood Dots and spots Servicing areas with some demand but isolated from larger
facilities or densely populated areas with limited available
land. These are small singular or minimal skate-able
elements integrated into the streetscape or park design.
These structures support the beginner but can be diverse,
to support different approaches and a greater variety of
elements.
Beginner BMX dirt park These existing facilities are very small-scale dirt jumps
typically located in neighbourhood parks with playground
equipment and ancillary facilities.
Local Skate and BMX facility Servicing the immediate and surrounding local catchment
population, this facility caters for beginner to intermediate
users providing a moderate level of challenge and may
feature some ancillary elements for all user groups.
Local BMX dirt park This existing facility (Cooroy) caters for the beginner to
intermediate BMX freestyle rider. The future of this type of
dirt park is reliant on a local community group managing
and maintaining this facility. MOU required.
District Minor skate and BMX A size and location which services a whole district
facility accommodating active and non-active users and catering
for beginner to intermediate skill levels.
Major skate and BMX A youth precinct capable of attracting a diverse range
facility of user groups catering for all skill levels, both active
and non-active users, and would also feature ancillary
elements for other community groups. Major facilities will
draw a large number of users from a wide radius and will
be required to be of high standard.
District BMX dirt park This facility caters for the intermediate to experienced BMX
freestyle rider and would be run by a BMX club. They can
be built around existing environmental elements and are
designed to provide a constantly evolving challenge for
riders.
Regional Icon skate and BMX An icon facility is a very high standard facility
facility accommodating skate, inline, BMX and scooters, using the
latest design trends and has potential to attract participants
and events from outside the region and the capacity to
host national and international events. It would be capable
of attracting a large and diverse range of young people
through youth and community events and could include
public art and events infrastructure.
Sunshine Coast Skate and BMX Plan 2011-2020 25You can also read
