Victoria Park to host freestyle BMX and cross country equestrian during 2032 Games

It will be Brisbane’s biggest new park in 50 years once finished, and it’s set to go global in 2032 with plans to use the green space for two key Olympic events.

The River City’s biggest new park in half a century will be transformed into an Olympics venue for the Brisbane 2032 Games, hosting the freestyle BMX and cross country equestrian events.

Temporary Olympic venues will now be factored into the planning of the new Victoria Park, with the 64 hectare inner-city green space to be given global exposure from the sporting spectacle.

The mega park – with its extraordinary views – is set to cater for 25,000 spectators to cheer on the cross country equestrian competitors and for 5,000 people to watch the freestyle BMX, under current plans.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner pointed to how London’s famous Hyde Park hosted the Olympic triathlon events during the 2012 Games.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

“And Brisbane’s best new park, Victoria Park, will be known worldwide once it hosts Olympic events in 2032,” he said.

“Victoria Park is set to be more than just a world-class parkland, it will also be a world-class Olympic venue.

“Come 2032, Victoria Park will be well connected with two Brisbane Metro stations, making it the perfect site for an Olympic venue.

“It’s hard to believe that BMX riders will be flying through the air and horses being ridden over a 4 km course and jumping over up to forty obstacles in a park right in the heart of Brisbane’s inner-city.”

Temporary Olympic-standard facilities will be installed at the park for the duration of the Games.

Brisbane’s Victoria Park.

Cr Schrinner said there were two Olympic debutants representing Australia at the Tokyo Games in the BMX freestyle event, with both athletes from Queensland.

“With Brisbane now confirmed as the host city in 2032, I’m confident many young BMX and equestrian riders will be inspired to pursue their sporting passion in a bid to compete in one of the biggest parks in their home city,” he said.

Victoria Park will be Brisbane’s biggest new park in over 50 years once complete, and will be more than double the size of the City Botanic Gardens.

The site opened up to the public this month after the golf course was closed despite a change.org petition to save it.

The course and clubhouse opened at Victoria Park in 1931.

“Now with the Olympic and Paralympic Games secured for Brisbane, we will be factoring the inclusion of temporary Olympic venues into our plans going forward,” Cr Schrinner said.

Originally published as Victoria Park to host freestyle BMX and cross country equestrian during 2032 Games