It's official — Cotswold Water Park will soon be known as Cotswold Lakes.
After years of talks and months of official paperwork and meetings, plans have finally been approved for the name change to go ahead, with Cotswold District Council unanimously passing a motion to approve the change.
Around a million people visit the 50-year-old water park each year, which has over 180 lakes and is home to a large amount of wildlife, including 35,000 wintering birds.
For years, local businesses have complained that the current name is misleading, with visitors expecting to find water slides and swimming pools, rather than hiking trails, fishing and water sports.
Cotswold Water Park encompasses 42 square miles of land, straddling three counties and containing four local authorities and many parish councils, so the huge task of changing its name is expected to be officially complete by early 2025.
Cotswold Lakes Trust, the environmental charity that works within the park, has been asked to assist in progressing the name change and has said that 'liaising with all of the organisations takes time but we are all hoping to be using the new name from spring next year.'
Steve Gleed is director of The Cotswold Range, an activity centre based within the park offering archery, air rifle and crossbow lessons. On the new name, he said: 'As a business owner I can see huge benefits and it is an exciting opportunity to rebrand, promote and showcase what the region is truly all about.
'It is a fantastic area for nature, accommodation and recreation, and having a name that fits is a fresh start.'
