Public feedback from a recent survey called ‘Your Southwater Country Park’, regarding facilities at Southwater Country Park is currently being analysed.
The Park, which is owned and managed by Horsham District Council, is a major attraction for all ages and abilities and we wanted to hear from as many park users as possible about what they like about the Park currently, and what, if any, improvements they would like to see in the future.
External consultants conducted the thorough online survey, completing face to face interviews at the park and engaging with children with fun activities to get their views on what they think they would like to see in the park going forward.
Top line initial results have revealed:
- 82% of respondents rated their experience at Southwater Country Park as either good, very good or excellent
- The majority of respondents are happy with the balance of leisure facilities and nature at the Park
- The Dinosaur Island play area scored particularly highly as a leisure facility and there was no wish to have additional leisure facilities at the Park
- Toilet provision was highlighted as an area for improvement.
Commenting on the survey, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr Roger Noel said:
I am really pleased to see the incredibly high response to our survey and my thanks go out to all the respondents who shared their opinions which will help to shape our views on the future of our much loved and well used park at Southwater.
We were delighted at the high levels of satisfaction, and it is clear that the Park is highly valued by local residents and visitors alike. As we continue to review the full feedback, we will ensure that we use it to inform any future investment in the Park’s facilities.
Cllr Roger Noel, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture
The Country Park is already one of the best sites within our estate for wildlife, including 22 species of dragonflies, and seven species of orchid, with an amazing display of over 5,000 common spotted orchids. We will be looking to see how else we can protect and enhance biodiversity across the Country Park in the future.
Maintenance will be taking place at the Dinosaur Island play area to upgrade various pieces of play equipment and consider how additional shade can be incorporated. Refurbishment works in the toilet block will be undertaken later this year.
For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .