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.
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. 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.
Marlow Park was developed in the early 1970s. The playground was a project led by the Dunedin South Rotary Club. Since its construction, the park has become informally known as the "Dinosaur Park", a name derived from its prominent dinosaur-themed play structures. While the playground has remained largely unchanged for several decades, it has retained strong cultural significance for generations of Dunedin families.
Marlow Park includes a range of recreational and amenity features:
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.
In 2025, the Dunedin City Council approved funding for a major redevelopment of Marlow Park as part of its destination playground programme. The council allocated approximately NZ$4.62 million for the upgrade, with planning and detailed design work commencing in late 2025.
Concept plans released during public consultation proposed new play equipment, including in-ground trampolines, a parkour course, and a fossil-themed sand play area. Iconic features such as the dinosaur slide and concrete whale are intended to be retained and refurbished. Construction is expected during the 2026âÂÂ27 period, subject to final design approval.
Marlow Park is regarded as one of Dunedin's most recognisable playgrounds and is commonly described as a nostalgic landmark for residents. Its distinctive concrete play structures and long association with childhood recreation have contributed to its enduring popularity within the city.