Dragging chain on rest stops

WHILE he admits it may not be the most exciting subject, Cr Glenn Taylor has again taken up a push for more public toilets in Orange, this time with the hope of putting the redevelopment of Woodward Street’s underutilised Esso Park back on the table.

As well as a toilet block, better picnic facilities and more trees for shade, Cr Taylor believes the park needs an access road and small car park cut into the front half to create a highway rest stop for travellers, doubling as a drop-off zone for Orange High School.

“There was a toilet facility there but it was pulled down because of vandalism,” he said.

“People with Winnebagos could stop for a while and have a break.

“It’s a pretty boring subject so it’s something we can overlook ... but it’s one of those vital things the city needs.”

Cr Taylor said the park would easily cater for travellers going east and west-bound traffic could turn into a side street to access the park.

“It’s worth an investigation by council and would enhance that area because it’s really in dire need of a facelift and upgrade,” he said.

“People plan their trips around where they are going to stop off.”

An existing toilet block was removed from the park in 2006 as part of a $10,000 upgrade, which also saw the pergola and fountain taken away and the swing set replaced.

Cr Taylor said the park and a neighbouring vacant block of land, the site of a former petrol station, had since become an eyesore for the city.

While he acknowledges the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) could have reservations about creating vehicle access at the front of the park because of the traffic lights, he said with some creativity the location could be ideal.

As well as better toilet facilities for travellers he believes more signage is needed to make visitors aware of what is already available, including the toilets at Cook Park.

Cr Taylor said council would also have to look at establishing a rest stop on the bypass in the future.

clare.colley@fairfaxmedia.com.au