An upgraded arena for equestrians has officially opened at Skerman Park in North Maclean.
Logan City Council delivered the $928,000 project, which includes a weatherproof roof, to support members of the Park Ridge Active Riding Group (PRARG), which calls the park home.
Mayor Jon Raven said investing in community infrastructure was important for a growing city.
“With more families choosing Logan as their home, it’s community building projects like this that give them every reason to stay,” Mayor Raven said.
“The new cover will mean this arena at Skerman Park can be enjoyed by local riders in all weather and draw visitors to Logan.”
The new 2,000sqm arena cover also features solar panels that will power overhead lighting, allowing riders to train well into the evening.
Division 11 Councillor Natalie Willcocks said the weather proof space was a significant win for the equestrian community.
“PRARG has a proud history spanning more than 40 years, and I’m glad Council has played a role in what will be a lasting legacy,’ Cr Willcocks said.
“Now, thanks to new upgrades, PRARG members can ride for longer, later and in all weather, meaning more time spent doing what they love.”
The project was jointly funded by Council ($648,000), including $50,000 from the Division 11 Local Infrastructure Program, PRARG ($30,000), and the Queensland Government’s Department of Sport, Racing, and Olympic and Paralympic Games ($250,000).
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the new facility would not only benefit current members but also encourage more locals to get into riding.
“The Queensland Government want to get more Queenslanders more active, more often and the upgraded facilities will help more people to get involved,” Minister Mander said.
“The Park Ridge Active Riding Group has been an integral part of the local equestrian community for decades with a track record of producing champions.
“We are proud to partner with Logan City Council to deliver these new facilities and nurture the dreams of future state and national representatives.”
PRARG President Kay Paulson said the club was excited to use the covered arena, which has the capacity to host official Queensland equestrian competitions.
“This will help increase PRARG’s exposure to the rest of the community,” Ms Paulson said.
“The arena’s new features will also provide club members with a sun-safe environment to ride in.”
