VIDEO: Dinosaur adventure playground for Southwater Country Park

JPCT 03-04-12 Southwater Country Park, the beach S12140990a -photo by Steve Cobb ENGSUS00320131224113642

The ‘bespoke and unique’ attraction will be called ‘Dinosaur Island’ taking inspiration from the dinosaur bones found in the park in the 1920s.

The plans shown to councillors at the meeting of the full council last night (Wednesday October 22), include Pterodactyl Nest, Iguanodon Sand Pit, a watchtower, swings, a zip wire.

They approved a sum of £179,000 to be put side in the budget for it and £101,000 will be met through section 106 funding given to the council by developers.

The proposal was the result of discussions with schoolchildren, officers and work by an advisory group.

Cabinet member for arts heritage and leisure Jonathan Chowen told members: “The zip wire was going to go, but there was so much outrage from the advisory group and the kids at the school, it was brought back.

“I really hope to have your support on this and you can tell your children and grandchildren you were there when we took this decision to create this wonderful playground.

“I am sure for all those stressed out parents and grandparents out there this will be a little haven.”

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

After the meeting he added: “Southwater is already very popular and this will make it even more popular and we hope to have it open by next spring so grandparents and parents and kids look forward to it. It will be really and amazing.”

For the full debate buy next week’s County Times.