A total of 3,101 people signed a petition, 80 people gathered in the street and 13,000 people engaged in posts on social media to discuss saving 11 mature trees from being cut down in Anson Street. Many reasons were given by people for getting involved, from recognising that part of the "magic" of Orange is our tree-lined streets, valuing heritage for trees planted in 1946, keeping power costs low for nearby shaded businesses and recognising the role that trees have in cooling towns and cities for human safety.

Digital surface temperature readings taken on a sunny Saturday consistently showed a 30 degree difference off the bitumen road surface in sun-exposed areas versus shaded areas.

Another threat to local trees has been recognised with the plan for the Bloomfield Sports Precinct, on the site of the old Ex-Services golf course next to Jack Brabham Park.

Stage one of the project would involve the removal of over 500 trees. Although the plan for the sports precinct includes the planting of new trees, these new plantings will not be able to provide adequate shade for at least a decade, perhaps more.

Also, the multiple car-parking areas on the site, add to the "heat island" effect, suffered by towns and cities.

Walking around the site, you see that the trees there are already providing abundant shade and the large expanses of grassland in what were once fairways, provide the potential to create a space for Orange that will add to our attraction for visitors who appreciate our leafy and green spaces.

We could create our answer to Sydney's Centennial Park or Central Park New York. And the bonus is, this site already has a 36-year head-start in terms of growth, than anything that could be started in another location. Imagine bicycle paths, picnics, kite flying, frisbee-throwing, soccer, cricket, kids playing hide and seek among the trees, couples taking a casual stroll through the area, and patients or families visiting patients at the hospital being able to access the health benefits that green spaces provide.

The sports precinct with athletics track and stadium will be a wonderful asset to Orange, but if we think carefully and don't rush it, another location could be found so that Orange ends up with two valuable assets, rather than losing one to create one.