Marlow Park
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| Marlow Park | |
|---|---|
| Dinosaur Park | |
 Interactive map of Marlow Park | |
| Type | Public park and playground |
| Location | St Kilda, Dunedin, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 45°54′27″S 170°30′36″E / 45.90756°S 170.51000°E |
| Established | c. 1970 |
| Owned by | Dunedin City Council |
| Operated by | Dunedin City Council |
| Status | Open |
Marlow Park, locally known as the Dinosaur Park, is a public park and playground located in the suburb of St Kilda in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is one of the city's best-known playgrounds, recognised for its large concrete dinosaur slide and other sculptural play features. The park is managed by the Dunedin City Council and is a popular recreational space for families and the wider community.[1]
Marlow Park is situated on John Wilson Ocean Drive, near St Kilda Beach, on Dunedin's southern coastline, from which it is sheltered by a line of grassy dunes. Its coastal setting places it within walking distance of the beach and within easy reach of the St Clair Esplanade, making it a frequent destination for both residents and visitors.[2] The park is nestled between two sports grounds, Kettle Park to the west and Hancock Park to the east, and is also close to Tahuna Park sports ground.
History
Marlow Park was developed in the early 1970s. The playground was a project led by the Dunedin South Rotary Club.[3] Since its construction, the park has become informally known as the "Dinosaur Park", a name derived from its prominent dinosaur-themed play structures.[4] While the playground has remained largely unchanged for several decades, it has retained strong cultural significance for generations of Dunedin families.[5]
Facilities
Marlow Park includes a range of recreational and amenity features:[1]
- Dinosaur-themed playground, including a large concrete dinosaur slide and sculptural play elements such as a concrete whale
- Picnic areas
- Public toilets and drinking fountains
- Bookable cycle learning area designed to teach road safety skills
- Grass areas suitable for informal recreation
- Nearby car parking and beach access
Use
The park is primarily used for informal recreation and community play. It is especially popular with families and school-aged children and is frequently used for cycling practice due to its dedicated road-safety learning area.[2]