Park's naming honours memory of a community champion

Back
Image of cyclist Darryl Dickson

Community champion Darryl Dickson as he will be remembered by friends, family and many in Beaudesert and beyond

The memory of a much-loved and admired member of the Beaudesert sporting community will be honoured with the naming of a park at Gleneagle.

At its Ordinary Meeting today, Scenic Rim Regional Council approved an application from the Beaudesert Cycling Club to dedicate the park at Annabelle Way to Darryl Dickson, whose life was tragically cut short in a cycling accident nearby in 2016.

Council's representative for Parks, Gardens and Open Space, Councillor Amanda Hay, said the naming of the Darryl Dickson Community Park was supported by the Beaudesert Little Athletics Club, Beaudesert Soccer Club and Little Athletics Queensland as well as friends and acquaintances.

"Mr Dickson was a valued member of the local community who contributed greatly to a number of sporting organisations, both locally and across Queensland," she said.

"While he will be best remembered for cycling, symbolised by his 'ghost bike' which was installed at the park along with a memorial bench following his passing, he was also heavily involved in the Beaudesert Senior and Over 40s soccer teams, Little Athletics and fundraising for the Cancer Council through the Relay for Life event.

"As a staunch supporter of the Beaudesert & District Little Athletics Club, Mr Dickson became a member of the Little Athletics Queensland Board and served for a time as its Vice President."

Beaudesert Cycling Club President David Kenny, who was among supporters for the naming of the park, said he was delighted by Council's decision.

"Our group often meets in the park and it occurred to me that naming it for Darryl would be a good way to remember him and what he had done for the community," he said.

The passing of Mr Dickson, a passionate advocate for cyclist safety, prompted the introduction by the Beaudesert Cycling Club and his family of the Razzle Dazzle road signage across the Scenic Rim highlighting the legal separation distances between cyclists and traffic.

Mr Dickson's widow, Karen, said his family was extremely grateful for the community support for the park's naming.

"This is such a fitting tribute to Darryl who was an advocate for the local community through his many volunteer roles," she said.

"Darryl, who was extremely humble, would be overwhelmed with the park being named in his honour."