Council considers future opportunities for country parks
THE Vale of Glamorgan Council is recommending that the Aqua Park does not return to Cosmeston Country Park this summer.
Instead, all opportunities for the park will be explored and a year of environmental assessment carried out.
This will help inform decisions about future uses of the lake and wider park.
There will be no new water activities at Cosmeston during this 12-month period.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “Our beautiful country parks are for everyone, so we want them to be as inclusive as possible – offering different things for different people.
“With that in mind, we are keen to explore potential new uses for Cosmeston that could attract fresh visitors.
“Of course, it is vital that any new venture causes no damage to the delicate ecology of the park.
“That is why we are proposing 12 months of extensive testing which can be used to monitor such an impact.
“The Aqua Park trial generated a significant amount of income, boosting the local economy.
“Such revenue can also help cover the cost of vital services at a time when the Council continues to face financial challenges.”
Aqua Park was a water-based obstacle course trialled on a small section of Cosmeston Lake between July and September last summer.
During that time, regular independent testing took place which indicated it had no negative impact on the natural environment.
A report produced by a company that monitors the economic impact of tourism also revealed:
Feedback from Aqua Park visitors gathered by another independent organisation indicated the attraction received a very high customer satisfaction rating.
Ecological assessments will take place over the next 12 months and include further bird breeding surveys and more water quality testing.
An exploration of potential opportunities will also be carried out during this period.
The recommendations regarding Cosmeston will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet next week when a decision on whether to approve them will be made.
Country Parks Opportunities FAQ
Cabinet Report: Review of Pilot Leisure Activity at Cosmeston Country Park