Upgrades to Langford Park unveiled

Visitors to Jarrahdale’s popular Langford Park can now experience an upgraded mountain bike trail network, day-use facilities, and signs, thanks to a $400,000 investment from Alcoa Australia to mark the aluminium producer’s 60th year of Australian operations.

Langford Park, which was once the site of Alcoa’s first bauxite mine in Western Australia, is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The park’s trail network was designated as a priority location for regional development in the 2017 Peel Regional Trails Strategy and in the 2018 Perth and Peel Mountain Bike Master Plan.

DBCA Executive Director Parks and Visitor Services Peter Sharp said the upgrades are timely and essential as Jarrahdale evolves into a flourishing recreation and trails destination.

“Langford Park, with its new and improved trails and facilities, is poised to be a haven for adventure seekers and a gathering place for families,” Mr Sharp said.

“The improvements to existing mountain bike trails include trail re-surfacing, better drainage, new trails, and enhanced features to ensure a more sustainable network and enriched rider experience.

“The upgrades also include a dual-use link trail from Langford Park to the Jarrahdale townsite to improve access to trails directly from Jarrahdale.

“New signs and upgraded day-use facilities, such as picnic and barbecue areas, are designed to bring friends, families and the community together, to safely navigate the trails and appreciate the area’s rich history, culture and nature.”

Alcoa Australia President Matt Reed said the company was thrilled to contribute to the upgrade of the trails and facilities at Langford Park which was a prime example of valuable post-mining land use.

“The park, which opened in 1975, is named after our first manager of mines, James N Langford, and we are delighted that today it is a valued attraction for locals and visitors alike.

"Ensuring Langford Park is suitable for a broad range of community and recreational activities is a fitting way to acknowledge 60 years of Alcoa in Australia,” he said.

Alcoa’s Jarrahdale bauxite mine operated between 1963 and 1998. Progressive rehabilitation occurred from 1966 to 2001 based on the State’s rehabilitation requirements of the day.

“Langford Park is a great example of the positive legacy mining can have and our commitment to creating sustainable, long-term value in the communities where Alcoa operates,” Mr Reed said.