A petition calling for Orange Council to reconsider plans to chop down about 500 trees on the former Country Club golf course has been created.
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The Bloomfield site has been the topic of much discussion after it was proposed a new sporting complex be built on the site.
"A sports precinct will be fantastic for Orange and so will an activated parkland that can generate millions. We can do both if we're smart about this," the petition read.
"Don't squander the massive economic opportunity Bloomfield Parkland presents. It's our next big attraction for tourists and will become a new treasured asset for the community.
"This builds on the number one reason people come to Orange (beautiful open, tree-filled spaces) while opening up a whole new range of experiences to enjoy for people who live here.
"To destroy 513 trees that have been growing for 45 years and transform this Crown Land to sun-exposed sports fields is at odds with our reputation as the "colour city". We could be offering a new 50 acre experience of the Colour City."
A little more than a week after the petition was created, it has received nearly 1,500 signatures.
"We need this council to recognise just how much money they're throwing away, destroying the publicly-owned parkland that has been forming here over 45 years and replacing it forever with a sports precinct that can be easily located in a better place," the petition added.
"Sign the petition now, to convince council to make the right decision for Orange. That is, develop the sports precinct in the original location (or an alternative) and leave Bloomfield to reach its full potential.
"Did you know, in Sydney, Centennial Parklands is a self-funded public asset, generating around $20 million annually? Parklands are public gems to be treasured, protected and well-managed for the benefit of all.
"Bloomfield Parklands could be operated from this model, and it will be an ongoing economic stimulus for Orange not just a few times a year but all year, for decades into the future."
The Heritage Council has also called for more community consultation into the future plans for the site, including landscaping.
Orange City Council is now set to debate a development application for the trees' removal in the next few weeks.
Orange mayor Reg Kidd said while an extraordinary meeting of council had been proposed for this single issue it could also be debated at a full meeting of council.
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