A new blue-print to guide the future development of the historic Cook Park has gone on public display for comment.

The draft document has been prepared by consultants after focus-group discussions with Orange residents. It floats a number of options including :

* a strategy to gradually replace the park’s ancient trees.

* how to manage fauna that lives in the park and deal with incursions from other animals including flying foxes

* the eventual removal of the bird aviary and the upgrade of display areas in Bastick Cottage.

• * the replacement of the sunken rose garden with a maze and sensory garden 

 In a long list of topics for consideration the plan suggests:

• extra trees on the western & southern boundary to reduce winds
• a new bridge over the duck pond.
• a re-location of children’s play equipment
• sheltered picnic tables

The plan suggests making more of the park’s ceremonial entry point at the north-eastern corner by restoring and renovating the gates and steps. 

The idea is floated of  upgrading the Summer Street entry point by building a fully-paved area, upgraded visitor information area and an outdoor café area & shop.

While the Blowes Conservatory and Fern House would be kept and upgraded, the draft plan suggests removing a number of other current features in the park.

The Mulholland sunken rose garden would be removed and replaced with a maze and sensory garden. 

The long term removal of the bird aviary is also suggested. 

The draft plan suggests an historic row of elms from the park’s south-east corner towards the centre of the park are in poor condition and a strategy of long-term replacement of the trees should be considered.

To manage the budget for upgrading the park, the draft plan sets short (0-5 years), medium (5-10 years) and long term (10-20 years) goals.

The plan estimates the cost of all the suggested the upgrade options could be as much as $4.7 million.

The Draft Master Plan is currently on public exhibition for comment.

The  Draft Cook Park Master Plan (7 MB)  can be downloaded here. The deadline for comment is late 19 November.

Conservation Management Plan

The rich and colourful history of Cook Park was also the subject of a study. The report of thie research and the results of a community consultation were also the subject of a Conservation Management Plan.

The Cook Conservation Plan can be downloaded here