Calling all skateboard enthusiasts, let’s get ready to Rumble!
21 July 2023
If you are heading anywhere but Redbank Plains next weekend, you might consider making a 180 to drop-in on the BMD Rumble Series to catch sensational alley-oops, grinds and air when the national tour makes its next stop right here in Ipswich.
Culminating in the largest skateboarding event in the southern hemisphere in September, the four-stop tour features Australian and international skaters and is attracting a rapidly-growing number of competitors and spectators, young and old.
Thanks to council’s investment in a dedicated skate park and youth precinct at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve, it was a no-brainer for organisers to choose the city to host a new stop on the expanding tour.
Ipswich City Council Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said he was thrilled that council’s investment in facilities for the community’s enjoyment has attracted national events and attention.
“Council is committed to ensuring that Ipswich is a city of opportunity for all, and that includes our
nation’s next skateboarding champion or Olympic superstar,” Cr Fechner said.
“We knew that our recent upgrades to the facility were region-leading, so it is no surprise to us that Olympic disciplines, bowl riding and street skateboarding, will both be on show at the competition to take advantage of the features at the precinct.
“Earlier this year the facility hosted one of four state-wide skateboarding testing sessions for the YouFor2032 Talent Identification Program, designed to identify our next generation of elite athletes.
“Our city is primed to take advantage of transformational potential of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and I don’t doubt there is unearthed, homegrown skateboarding talent ready for the chance to shine on the global stage.”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said skateboarding has experienced a 50 per cent increase in participation over the past three years and debuted at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
“Skateboarding may have been around for decades, but it is experiencing a huge resurgence, locally in Ipswich and worldwide,” Cr Madsen said.
“I hope the BMD Rumble Series visiting Redbank Plains encourages local skateboarding enthusiasts of all ages to turn out in force for a weekend of thrilling tricks and competition.”
The BMD Rumble Series has so far visited South Australia and Western Australia, with the recently-completed Recreation Reserve Skate and Youth Area in Redbank Plains the final stop before heading to Mackay for ‘Rumble on the Reef’.
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said that council started planning for the new skate park in 2016, and she was thrilled to now see it being enjoyed not just by the growing number of families that call Ipswich home, but national and international talent.
“Council is dedicated to ensuring Ipswich is one of the most liveable cities in the state where our residents enjoy a lifestyle that encourages a live, work and play environment,” Cr Ireland said.
“Who knows, with facilities like this skate park at Redbank Plains to hone skills and tricks, what might start out as a fun pastime could end up being a professional lifestyle for talented young skateboarders in the area.”
BMD Eastern Rumble will be held Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July at Redbank Plains Skate Park near the corner of Redbank Plains Road and Cedar Road. Parking is available off Cedar Road via Moreton Avenue, near the Westminster Warriors Soccer Club.
Visit www.therumble.com.au for more information and schedule details.