Rail Trail supports active connected community in Yarrabilba
The walking, hiking and riding trail from Yarrabilba to Logan Village is enjoying local foot traffic from our residents, as families, running groups and children lace up to get active, connect with neighbours and enjoy the natural environment.
Yarrabilba resident Nathan Paterson helps run a local running group (Yarrabilba Runners for the Park), to help residents connect with one another and enjoy the great outdoors.
With more than 200 members, the team of runners regularly take to the 3.5km long Rail Trail to improve their fitness and overall wellbeing and de-stress from everyday life.
“We started a triathlon group and invited anyone to join in and take part. Part of our training involves running the Rail Trail, which is so easy to run along, is flat and you’re in the middle of nature,” he said.
“Everyone is at different fitness levels, but it’s more than just training, it’s about getting together and meeting new people.
“It’s been amazing to be able to have a designated space like the Rail Trail for us to run along. It’s a beautiful setting, there’s so much wildlife you see along the way and it’s literally 4 degrees cooler in there.”
The trail which runs from Yarrabilba to Logan Village was officially opened to the public in December 2021, providing a direct link between the expanding community and the popular Logan Village Green.
The Rail Trail is built on the de-commissioned Bethania to Beaudesert rail corridor which is now a Logan City Council managed road reserve.
The trail features a watercourse crossing, flood mitigation, access-control bollards, and wayfinding and custom-designed entry signage.
The repurposed ironwork on the entry signs has designs originally crafted by local blacksmith Alan Ball for the old bandstand at the Logan Village Green.
Other parts of the ironwork include designs by local artists that reference the original train line, river barges, a nearby former WWII army base and local fauna and flora.
Local resident David Tieman said he enjoys regularly walking the Rail Trail with his wife Mary-Ann and daughter Jen, an opportunity to connect as a family and switch off to the outside world.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out and keep fit as a family and a good kick starter to the day,” he said.
“The Rail Trail is a peaceful and tranquil walk. It feels like a bush walk but has good quality footpaths. I would love the see the trail extended as it is a safer way for people from Yarrabilba to connect to Logan Village and if extended, imagine the connection opportunities.”