Parklands MX Park Kenilworth closure shocks Sunshine Coast motocross community

Questions remain over the reasons behind the sudden closure of a popular motocross park in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland after 12 years in business.

The sudden closure of a popular motocross park in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland which has been an institution for 12 years has shocked the riding community.

There are now fears riders would seek out illegal alternatives with the nearest parks now in Brisbane, Gympie or the Gold Coast.

It remains unclear why the Parklands MX Park Kenilworth suddenly announced it would shut its doors after 12 years in business on November 28.

“We are extremely sad to announce that Parklands MX will be closed permanently after the 28th November 2021,” the club said on its Facebook page.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support over the past 12 years.”

The post received more than 700 comments in less than 24 hours with many expressing their sadness they no longer had access to the park seven days a week.

Mooloolaba resident Rod Moore said it was a huge loss for such an institution to be shutting down after so long.

“I took my son out there to learn how to ride when he was five years old,” he said.

AJ Roberts and Josh Green enjoying the day at Parklands Mx Park. Picture: Parklands MX Park Kenilworth Facebook

“My 12-year-old daughter rides out there as well as my nieces and nephews.

“A lot of people on the Coast are in the same boat and are just shattered.”

Kenilworth’s MX park was one of the only lasting avenues for riders to enjoy a “family day out” in the region, according to Mr Moore.

“This one has been a local ground that everyone can go to as it’s a real family oriented place,” he said.

“Now the motorbike community are wondering where we’re going to head to now, whether it’s up to Gympie or down to Brisbane or the Gold Coast for our rides.”

Mr Moore said Parklands had well-maintained tracks and was a social hub where kids could learn how to ride and others could enjoy a day out in the bush.

Jessie Dobson tearing up Parklands MX Park Kenilworth. Picture: Parklands MX Park Kenilworth Facebook

“I feel like this could just lead to people taking their families out and riding illegally in other places,” he said.

“There’s really just nowhere else to go locally around here.

“Where are we going to ride now?”

Kenilworth Senior Constable Pierre Senekal said he was also saddened by the park’s closure.

“It was a great place for a lot of the young people in the community to be involved,” he said.

“The park also brought a huge amount of people to the community where they spent money in the local coffee shops.

“It was a great asset to the local area.”