The dinosaur was the centre of a social media storm which spread to national news outlets early this month after the Otago Daily Times reported discussions to replace or refurbish it as part of the Dunedin City Council’s $4.6 million destination playground upgrades to the St Kilda park.
Tender documents released last week noted strong community interest in the project and said a collaborative design process was ‘‘essential to ensure the playground designs reflect the key themes and play experiences expressed by our key stakeholders’’.
‘‘Many past and present residents have fond memories of Marlow Park, affectionately known as the ‘‘Dinosaur Park’’ by some, and this project seeks to continue the theme of creating special memories and experiences for all users of the park,’’ the documents said
The successful contractor would assist the council and Aukaha design team in finalising a detailed design for council approval, ‘‘including options for how to manage the existing iconic dinosaur slide’’, and would carry out the playground upgrades, the documents said.
Two options on the dinosaur slide’s future have been put forward.
One proposes the slide’s ‘‘rehabilitation’’, the other proposes replacing it with a new dinosaur slide or dinosaur-themed equipment.
All elements of the detailed design, including decisions on the dinosaur, are subject to approval from councillors.
The deadline for proposals is July 21, the contract is to be awarded in late August and concept designs are expected to be finalised by late September ahead of councillor approval.
The concept design includes play equipment grouped across several areas — including climbing, swings and slides — with spaces for specialist activities such as parkour, a permanent pump track and water and nature play.
Councillors approved $11.22m to develop destination playgrounds in Marlow Park ($4.6m), Woodhaugh ($3.5m) and Mosgiel ($3m) during nine-year plan deliberations last year.
It is likely Marlow Park will be closed for construction during Christmas holidays this year, and it is expected to reopen by the following summer, possibly by mid-2027.
