Dane Searls Park petition raises 1000 signatures
A petition to name the Umina skate park the Dane "Chinga" Searls Memorial Park has raised more than 1000 signatures in a month.
"Dane cut his teeth and honed his skills at the skate park before moving onto international success at the age of 18, soon after becoming regarded as one of the best dirt jump riders in the world," said petition sponsor Mr Robbie Smith.
"In 2010, Dane went on to create Giants of Dirt showcasing the World's Biggest Dirt Jump.
"He pushed the boundaries of BMX Dirt Jumping professionally and eventually landing a 60-foot (18-metre) gap on November 18, 2011."
He died a week later on November 25, aged 23, at Gold Coast Hospital after reportedly suffering head and back injuries in an unsuccessful attempt to jump into a swimming pool from a balcony in Queensland at a party celebrating the achievement.
Mr Smith said: "With the upgrade to the Umina Beach Recreation Area and the great work of the Umina Beach Community Group, we have a world class park to ride, for both skate and BMX disciplines.
"We propose that the park be named in his memory.
"He achieved his success through hard work and true grit and never forgetting who he was or where he came from: Umina skate park.
"Chinga's name will inspire a new generation knowing where his road to success began at the Umina to becoming one of the best in the world and having such a positive impact along the way as an amazingly kind person and a true professional."
SOURCE:
Social media, 24 Feb 2025
Robbie Smith, Umina Skate Park