VIDEO: Dinosaur Island revealed for Southwater County Park

Horsham District Council proposals for Dinosaur Island at Southwater Country Park. Designs by playground designers Eibe

Playground design company Eiba has drawn inspiration from the 125m-year-old dinosaur found in the park’s main lake nearly 100 years ago for this ‘bespoke and unique’ development at Southwater Country Park.

The council approved a sum of £179,000 to be put towards the project last week and work will start in the next few weeks.

With some of the existing play equipment now up to 20 years old, it is in need of replacement while newer equipment installed in the play area will be retained and revamped to fit in with the dinosaur theme.

Speaking following last week’s meeting of the full council, cabinet member for arts, heritage and leisure Jonathan Chowen said: “I am delighted that we now have the full go ahead for these developments and that work will soon be underway. The new play area will also fully cater for disabled visitors and aims to provide inclusive play for all.

“A key part of the project is also to make the play area accessible all year round via a combination of improved drainage and a new network of pathways enabling more children and accompanying adults to enjoy the benefits of this unique experience.”

Work is due to start in early November, with the existing play area closed down from Monday November 3 for the winter period. The project will involve large scale groundworks, including installing drainage to allow the new play area to be used all year round.

Watch the video and let us know what you think about the plans. Leave your comments below or email [email protected]

See the County Times for a full write up of the council debate.