Doreen Dirt Jumps

A dirt jump is an elevated structure made from compacted soil that is designed for a bicycle, skateboard, or other wheeled device. A dirt jump consists of a take-off ramp where riders build up speed and a landing ramp where they touch down. Jumps can vary in size, ranging from smaller tabletop jumps suitable for beginners to large gaps designed for professionals. 

While we understand that it may seem like harmless fun to build a few dirt jumps in an empty grassed area, there are a number of reasons why we can’t allow this to happen.

The first is safety. As a Council, we need to make sure that anything built on Council land is safe – for both the users and passers-by. When community members build their own jumps, we can’t ensure that what has been built is safe – either in the design or construction. And while there will always be some level of risk involved in any skate or BMX facility, Council can manage this by having any facility professionally designed and built, and regularly checking and maintaining them.

We also need to be particularly careful of the damage dirt jumps can cause to the natural environment. When dirt jumps are built by the community, it often causes damage to garden beds, grassed surfaces, mulched areas and tree roots due to the digging required to move dirt. Sometimes the jumps are built in our conservation areas, causing damage to endangered plant species. It’s important that we ensure our natural environment, beautiful landscapes and opens spaces are being taken care of.

Lastly, we need to consider what the whole community want. While an open space may seem like a good place to build jumps, residents with properties that surround that open space may not like the idea of having something built so close to their homes. When Council builds something, we talk to all those who will be affected by it, and those living close by to ensure that everyone’s feedback is considered.

The reserve scores highly across many categories. Its strength is its central position within Doreen, it is within easy riding distance of shops, schools and trains. The park itself is newly activated with sports grounds, pavilions and is the home of the Doreen United Soccer Club.

Yes. The contractor, along with Council, will undertake a series of pop-ups and workshops to ensure the riders get a say in the design and construction of the facility. 

The overall maintenance of the dirt jumps will be undertaken by Council; however, the day-to-day maintenance will be undertaken by the users.

The community should not be building their own dirt jumps for the reasons outlined above.