Water park has identity crisis (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Water park has identity crisis

THE Cotswold Water Park is suffering from an identity crisis, according to its chief executive.

And Tim Pain says a new name is needed in a bid to encourage people to visit the park for the right reasons.

The comments were made during a meeting of the Cotswold Water Park joint committee last Friday.

Although the park attracts 250,000 of visitors a year, Mr Pain says many people are confused as to what is actually there because of the name.

He told committee members: "They assume it's an outdoor equivalent of the Oasis Centre in Swindon, with flumes and water slides, etc.

"People don't like what it's called. I raise it as a concern and ask you to think about it."

The Cotswold Water Park is a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and water sports fanatics.

It boasts a massive array of wildlife and contains some of the most peaceful and picturesque walks in the region.

The park, which has been formed from a series of former gravel pits, is also home to various holiday villages.

But Mr Pain is concerned the name makes the area sound like an amusement park.

And councillors will consider potential name changes in a bid to help its future marketing strategy.

Among the names put forward so far include The Cotswold Lakes.