**Excitement Builds as New Welsh Water Park Prepares to Launch at Cosmeston Lake**
Anticipation is mounting across the Vale of Glamorgan as a brand-new water adventure attraction sets its sights on Cosmeston Country Park for this summer. The eagerly awaited water park, featuring an extensive inflatable obstacle course, has now confirmed its opening date and is set to welcome visitors from Saturday, 5 July 2025.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Aqua Park Group, a company already established with a number of water-based recreational facilities across the UK. This summer will mark the first time such an attraction has been trialled at Cosmeston Lake, after previous iterations operated successfully at other sites, including Cardiff Bay.
Councillors and local residents have greeted the news with a complex mix of excitement and apprehension. While many look forward to the influx of fun-seeking visitors and the economic benefits that may accompany such a high-profile initiative, others have voiced strong concerns about the environmental impact on the cherished parkland.
A significant point of contention has arisen around potential effects on local wildlife. In response, council officials have pledged to ensure measures are in place to protect the park’s natural habitats. The operations of the attraction will be limited to the eastern shores of the lake, according to statements from the council, and ongoing monitoring of the site’s environmental health is promised throughout the summer.
Water quality, a crucial consideration for both safety and biodiversity, has also been brought under scrutiny. At a recent council scrutiny meeting, it was revealed that Aqua Park Group had previously declined to operate their course at Cardiff Bay this year due to water quality issues. Marcus Goldsworthy, Vale Council’s Director of Place, reassured the committee that regular water testing is in place at Cosmeston, with samples taken biannually to maintain standards suitable for water-based recreation.
The introduction of the inflatable park brings with it a range of state-of-the-art fun, including slides, climbing walls, and challenging obstacles aimed at children and adults alike. Councillor Bronwen Brooks, cabinet member for sustainable places, has expressed optimism that this new venture will further boost the appeal and amenities of Cosmeston Country Park, labelling the attraction as “another great addition to the already fantastic offer.”
Yet, unease remains for some. A petition launched in opposition to the proposal has gathered nearly 4,000 signatures, signalling a degree of resistance within parts of the local community. Among the expressed worries are the possible impact on waterfowl and aquatic life, as well as longer-term questions regarding the character and tranquility of the park.
Supporters of the scheme, however, see the trial as part of a broader movement to diversify leisure activities and make the area’s parks more inclusive and financially resilient. As highlighted by Councillor Brooks, “Trying new things is at the heart of what we do as an ambitious council,” suggesting that the council intends to strike a balance between conservation, recreation, and innovation in local tourism.
By the end of September, once the summer season concludes, the council has committed to a full review of the pilot project. Findings from this evaluation will inform any future decisions, including the potential commissioning of an operator for subsequent years should the trial prove both popular and sustainable.
With just weeks to go until opening day, the stage is almost set for a summer season that promises both thrills and debates. The Vale of Glamorgan’s community now waits to discover how this bold addition will shape the future of one of its most beloved green spaces.