During COVID-19 lockdowns, a local Port Melbourne community built a BMX track at RF Julier Reserve. The track was removed for public safety, and Council received a petition for it to be maintained. In response, Council is proposing to build a BMX pump track within the local area.

Council has identified Garden City Reserve near the children’s playground as the most suitable location for the pump track. Port Phillip Council is consulting with the local community on the proposed plans for an asphalt track to maximise safety for bike and scooter riders. For more information refer to Port Phillip Council’s website: https://haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/bmx-track-2022 

Residents opposing the proposed BMX pump track in Garden City Reserve, say the open "passive" green space is used daily for family picnics, dog walkers, solitude seekers and young children playing in the dragon playground area and is not suited to an asphalt BMX track. A local resident Ramona Headifen has started a petition which states “This seems dangerous to promote such a track next to a children's playground.  The track is likely to see users riding at high speed, chasing each other in the area, and again this is not conducive near to children playing and family picnics. The track could become a hang out area similar to the skateboard park under Graham St”.

Another resident, Megan Jones who also opposes the desecration of the Garden City Reserve told us “There already exists two purpose-built BMX Pump Parks in Port Melbourne. One is located at Turville Reserve which is gravel and neglected but could be revived by COPP. Turville Reserve is adjacent to the Port Melbourne skatepark on Station Street. The other is a newly built BMX park is in Westgate Park but not part of COPP purview, so it is ignored even though it is within 1 km of the proposed new venture”. Megan Jones also said that “the Council’s project manager did not appear to know the Council has a signed contract with the Hobson's Bay Obedience School for dog training in area promised to the BMX park”.

If you don't want Garden City Reserve to become home to this track, please sign this petition.

https://www.change.org/p/no-bmx-track-garden-city-reserve