Dunedin City Council parks and reserves team leader Martin Thompson said the paddling pool structure, which has a large sculptured concrete whale at its centre, would be closed for the next three to four months while structural repairs were carried out.
The paddling pool and play area closed late last year after a mid-year council safety audit of equipment showed its steel reinforcing, particularly in the tail section, had corroded.
"The report highlighted it should be programmed as a high-priority. Ideally, it would be done out of season because it is a popular feature.
"But once the report was back and safety was identified as an issue, it was closed immediately until contractors were available."
Repairs, including concreting and painting, would cost about $10,000.
Other equipment at Marlow Park, which is widely known as "Dinosaur Park", was repaired in 2001 during a major upgrade of facilities, he said.
