In place since the 1980s, the old timber-and-wire border at the Orange Showground has been replaced by a 1.2-metre-high double-top-rail steel fence, that will now help transform the area into a leash-frees space.

The older fence had grown increasingly insecure due to rot.

Officially unveiled on Wednesday morning, two-year-old Labrador Heidi was on hand to give the upgraded leash-free park a test run.

While the space still needs water bowls for thirsty pooches, signage, disability access and more poo-bag dispensers, there was no denying the quality of the fence.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the improvements would make the Orange Showground a much better venue for a wide range of users.

"The showground is used by thousands of people each year, from the hundreds of people that turn out to the Orange Show to equestrian events, car shows and swap meets, not to mention the people who come to use the leash-free area," Cr Reg Kidd said.

"This new fence makes the arena much safer for all users and provides an area that really complements all the surrounding facilities at the showground."

The arena fence now boasts four spring-loaded, self-closing pedestrian gates, one on the eastern side, two on the western side and one on the southern side coming in from the caravan park.

It also now has three six-metre-wide gates, which will improve access for event organisers.

Funding for the project came from Phase 1 of the NSW Government's Showground Stimulus Funding Program to fund maintenance and improvement works at showgrounds around the state, and is part of the government's $2.3 billion COVID stimulus package.

Orange Showground received $174,000, which funded the arena fence replacement as well as the installation of a new security fence.