Around 80 people protested outside a beloved slide in Dunedin this afternoon after city councillors this week voted to partially remove it.
The dinosaur slide at Marlow Park - also fondly known as Dinosaur Park - in St Kilda has been a popular feature of the playground since 1969 and has become a well-known local landmark.
Concern about its future earlier this year generated significant public interest, with one council post drawing more than 800 comments on social media, and residents contacting councillors to share memories of the slide to have it retained.
The dinosaur slide at Marlow Park in St Kilda has been a popular feature of the playground since 1969 and has become a well-known local landmark. (Source: 1News)
Mason Schumacher, 5, was among the children holding signs at the protest today.
His said “Hands Off Our Dinosaur”.
“I am sad the slide will be taken away… I like it here and it is just so fun for me.”
Another child told 1News he wanted to “Restore the roar”.
A resident, who introduced himself as ‘Gene’ told the crowd said, “As far as I'm concerned, there should be a public referendum in Dunedin and let the ratepayers decide whether we keep it, or we go down another avenue.”
Some councillors who voted against the slide’s removal were there, including Jo Galer.
"I had a real lump in my throat after that debate the other day,” she said.
But the slide’s age and condition have caused safety concerns for the Dunedin City Council.
Following public consultation, in a vote at Thursday’s council meeting, most councillors voted in favour of updated proposals that will see the existing dinosaur slide replaced with a new, more accessible version.
Rather than being removed entirely, the head and neck of the current dinosaur slide will be preserved.
The structure will be 3D scanned, reconstructed and relocated to a sloped bank area, where it will form part of a new slide zone accessed via a deck and ramp.
The wider playground upgrade will feature a new 11.5 metre whale structure with an internal play space, slide and climbing nets, alongside a six-metre waka.
The city council says other planned features include flying foxes, a large climbing tower with platforms, slides and tunnels, a multi-play structure with monkey bars and climbing elements, an inclusive carousel, swings, racing slides, an accessible slide, water and sand play areas, and a nature play space.
The redevelopment is expected to be completed by June 2027.
The existing playground will remain open until late January before major construction begins, although some areas may be closed off for preparatory work.
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