Community asked to share Cook Park memories ahead of 150TH anniversary celebrations

Orange’s heritage-listed Cook Park will notch up its 150th anniversary this November and people are being asked to share their memories of the park as part of the celebrations.

The 4.5-hectare block bordered by Summer, Clinton, Kite and Sampson streets was o cially proclaimed a park on November 30, 1873, although it was only in 1882, that it was named Cook Park, after Captain James Cook.

Laid out in a traditional Victorian design with straight paths and rows of trees, much of the original design is still in place today.

Orange City Council is planning a picnic day in Cook Park to honour the milestone anniversary, but they are also hoping to create a community-sourced photographic archive recognising the park’s special place in the lives of so many people in Orange.

“Cook Park and the country that it occupies has played host to many significant moments for generations of Orange families,” Orange Mayor, Councillor Jason Hamling said.

“From community events and family occasions to a casual picnic or quiet stroll, Cook Park holds many fond memories for the city’s residents.”

Members of the community are being encouraged to share their photos, memories and stories of Cook Park in the lead-up to the anniversary in November.

The material will be added to the

Recollect Central West website, an online collection of heritage material relating to people, places and events of the Central West.

Images will also be displayed on a screen in the Bastick Cottage as part of the celebrations, alongside an exhibition featuring people who shaped Cook Park.

The community picnic day will be held on Saturday, November 25, and feature live music and dance performances, food vendors, a cake cutting and a commemorative tree planting.

Orange City Council’s Parks, Trees and Waterways Committee Chair, Cr Mel McDonell encouraged everyone to join in the celebrations.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate everything that we love about Cook Park, from its history and heritage significance to its present-day appeal for local families and visitors,” Cr McDonell said.

People wishing to share their photos and memories of Cook Park should email their material to heritage@orange.nsw.gov.au

The 4.5-hectare block bordered by Summer, Clinton, Kite and Sampson streets was o cially proclaimed a park on November 30, 1873, but is was only in 1882, that it was named Cook Park, after Captain James Cook.

It was laid out in a traditional Victorian design with straight paths and rows of trees. Much of the original design is still in place today.