Cook Park

Item details


Name of item:	Cook Park
Other name/s:	Orange Botanic Garden (NB: Orange has a 1988 new Botanic Garden, a separate site)
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Parks, Gardens and Trees
Category:	Urban Park
Primary address:	24-26 Summer Street, Orange, NSW 2800
Parish:	Orange
County:	Wellington
Local govt. area:	Orange

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	27		DP	653772

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
24-26 Summer Street	Orange	Orange	Orange	Wellington	Primary Address
Kite Street	Orange	Orange			Alternate Address
Sampson Street	Orange	Orange			Alternate Address
Clinton Street	Orange	Orange	Orange	Wellington	Alternate Address

Statement of significance:


	Cook Park is of state heritage significance as a fine example of the Victorian era public park. Situated adjacent to the town's main street, the park has outstanding mature plantings and many fine features. It was set aside as a public reserve in 1854 and the park was proclaimed in 1873. From the 1870s onwards an outstanding collection of exotic trees were planted which today are large, mature specimens. This collection includes, elms, oaks, lindens, poplars, redwoods, cypresses, firs, ash and walnuts, with two Bunya pines and one Tasmanian blue gum. Cook Park is set out on a radial plan, with a system of paths radiating in the form of a Union Jack flag with crossing gravel paths set in fine lawns. These paths focus on many items of interest, including a bandstand (1908), fountains (from 1891), a parkman's lodge (c.1890), conservatory (1934), fernery (1938), ponds (from 1890), aviaries (c.1930), artillery pieces (1870 and 1917), and two fine sets of gates from the turn of the 20th century. The park has state significance expressed in intact depression era projects including the fernery, Blowes conservatory and the Frank Mulholland Memorial Garden. Cook Park is an excellent example of a nineteenth century Victorian park. It maintains various elements from its establishment through to the present day including general formal layout, mature tree and shrub plantings, flower beds and built elements. It provides a focal point in Orange.
	Date significance updated: 16 Jun 17
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Alfred Patterson; Mr
Builder/Maker:	Alfred Patterson; Mr
Construction years:	1873-1950
Physical description:	Cook Park is an area of 10 acres/4.5ha bounded by Summer, Sampson, Kite and Clinton Streets, with plantings dating from at least the 1880s (the cedars). Tree plantings were made in the 1870s and 1880s. A feature was unmatched pairs of trees on path crossing points. Today the park has over 200 trees, 20 beds of annual flowers and four staff. Cook Park is set out on a radial plan, planted on a plan of paths radiating (in the form of a Union Jack flag) from a central hub where stand the (1908) bandstand and a cast iron (1891) fountain. An avenue of elms (Ulmus campestris syn. U.procera) is in the park's south-west, lining an axial path. The park has radiating and crossing travel paths set in fine lawns. The park has two sets of notable cast iron gates (1890 and 1927) mark the imposing entrances from the main street corners. From the 1870s onwards a fine collection of exotic trees were planted including English (in fact, European) elms (Ulmus procera) and weeping Scotch elm (U.glabra 'Pendula'), oaks (Quercus spp.), lindens (Tilia sp.), poplars (Populus sp.), redwoods or big trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum), cypresses (Cupressus sp.), firs (Abies sp.), ash (Fraxinus sp.), 4 Himalayan cedars (Cedrus deodara) and walnuts (Juglans sp.) are growing with 2 Bunya pines (Araucaria bidwillii) and one Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus). It also has a specimen of blue/Himalayan pine (P.wallichiana)(Spencer, 1995, 272). Tree plantings that are among the oldest remaining today include: English elms; London planes (Platanus x hybrida); ti kouka or New Zealand cabbage tree (Cordyline australis); Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana); English oak (Quercus robur); linden/lime (Tilia cordata); redwood or big tree (Sequoiadendron giganteum) - which is one of the oldest trees in the park; holly (Ilex aquifolium); stone pine (Pinus pinea) and bull bay/ evergreen magnolia (M.grandiflora) both near Spencer Road; Algerian oak (Quercus macrocarpa); two large Himalayan cedars; Bunya pines; Arizona cypress (Cupressus glabra/C.lusitanica); English ash (Fraxinus excelsior); blue Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'); Bhutan cypress (Cupressus torulosa); cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus); swamp cypress (Taxodium distichum); Western yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa); golden willow (Salix matsudana 'Aurea'); harakeke or NZ lowland flax (Phormium tenax); Mediterranean (or 'Irish') strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo); Photinia glabra (trunk over 1m diameter); bay laurel hedge (Laurus nobilis); sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua); Indiana bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides); coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens); camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)(Stuart Read, pers.comm., 6/8/2005 visit). Cook Park also has a silver elm (Ulmus minor 'Variegata')(Spencer: A Horticultural Flora of SE Australia, online at: https://hortflora.rbg.vic.gov.au/taxon/f64af9a2-5340-11e7-b82b-005056b0018f). Other mature plantings (probably dating from across the 20th century) include: English elms forming a c60year old avenue along one of the diagonal paths near Kite and Clinton Streets in the park's south-east corner; Rhododendron spp./cv.s; tree tulip (Magnolia x soulangeana); pin oak (Quercus palustris); horse chestnut (Aesculus sp.); maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba); Japanese laurel (Euonymus japonicus); blue spruce (Picea pungens cv.); dwarf cypress (Chamaecyparis sp./cv.); Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii); copper beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'); lemon verbena (Backhousia citriodora); lemonwood/tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides); beauty bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis); funeral cypress (Cupressus funebris); Camellia japonica cv.s; Lavalle's hawthorn (Crataegus x lavallei); golden elm (Ulmus hollandica 'Louis van Houttei'); Abelia bifida; crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepis indica); port wine magnolia (Michelia figo); golden elm (Ulmus glabra 'Lutescens'); holly/holm/evergreen oak (Quercus ilex); two weeping Wych elms (Ulmus glabra 'Pendula); and Chinese elm (Ulmus sinensis)(Stuart Read, pers.comm., 6/8/2005 visit). The sunken garden was formerly a duck pond. It is named the F.J.Mulholland Memorial Garden, commemorating a long serving Town Clerk. The aviary was built as a depression era project for regional development. Brolgas and emus were kept in the southern part of the park in the 1920s within a wire (fence)(Mick Harvey, Orange City Council, pers.comm. to Australian Garden History Society (ACT, Monaro & Riverina Branch visit, 6/8/2005). A superb collection of begonias is housed in the Blowes Conservatory (1934). A small lake (1890), ferneries (1938) and sunken gardens complete this well-maintained garden. (Heathcote, 2002, 159). Structures: The Bandstand (1908) is octagonal, on a brick foundation. It has carved wooden pillars and railing, with a weatherboard ceiling. There is a carved wood freize and the peaked roof is tiled. It contains the original gas fittings and music stands. The James Dalton Memorial fountain was donated by Dalton (a wealthy merchant who was part owner of the Dalton Brothers store in central Orange) in 1881. It is located on the central axial path, made of cast iron with water falling from a central pipe to three levels. Four boys with urns stand on an octagonal plinth embossed with Acanthus leaves. Above, the central piece is embelished with fern fronds which open to a flower-like urn upon which stand three storks. A further centre piece rises above these. The fountain was remodelled in the 1920s to its present condition. Other buildings include the Ferneries (1938, restored in 1988) which contain the John Gale Memorial fountain from the original bush-house. This is of cast iron in the form of three swans surmounted by a small dish at a higher level. Terracotta urns which were originally at the corners of the fountain now contain shrubs. The Blowes Conservatory (1934) was built to display, and still annually contains an outstanding collection of begonias, many of the original stock having come from Ballarat. There are two noteworthy sets of gates. The most impressive are the cast iron set on the Clinton-Summer Street corner. Erected in the 1890s. Those on the northwest corner, Campson-Summer Street are also cast iron, made by Dick Venerables of Parkes. Originally situated at Robertson Park, moved to their present site in 1927. The Lodge is in a fairly dilapidated condition, with hodge-podge additons. It was built around 1900 of sandstock and has a corrugated iron roof. The Frank Mulholland Memorial Garden was built in memory of Orange's Town Clerk from 1895-1935, on the site of the former sunken garden, retaining its form. The sunken garden and sundial were dedicated on 14 February 1938 by the Hon E S Spooner. (Orange City Council, undated). There are many objects of interest including a bandstand (1908), fountains (one from 1891, one 1908-20), a parkman's lodge (c.1890), conservatory (1934), fernery (1938), ponds (from 1890), aviaries (c.1930), artillery pieces (1870 and 1917) and two fine sets of gates (one from the 1890s). There are also a number of park seats dating from the turn of the 20th century; at least two designs can be regognised from the 1908 guide. Some of these seats need correct restoration. This park has great significance for the people of Orange and tourists to the town Hughes Trueman Ludlow, Orange City Council, 1986, 121).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Lodge- poor Today the park has over 200 trees, many in over-mature condition. Storms have led to damage and loss of over-mature trees, for instance lightning strikes on a mature English oak (Quercus robur) (Lynne Gough, Orange City Council, pers.comm. to Australian Garden History Society (ACT, Monaro & Riverina Branch visit, 6/8/2005).
	Date condition updated:05 Jan 09
Modifications and dates:	1883-7 basic layout and plantings 1887+ majority of oldest plantings, formal layout 1890s Lake built; gates added on Clinton/Summer Street. 1891 Fountain - later changed. c1900 lodge built. 1920s fountain remodelled. 1927 a second set of gates were moved from Robertson Park to corner of Summer/Sampson Streets. 1938 new fernery and conservatory built. The John Gale memorial fountain was moved into the new fernery. The 1938 Memorial sunken garden was opened, it having formerly (c1890) been a lake/ duck pond. Bush house - removed. 1985 there was debate about the elm avenue's removal, due to problems with cavities and possums. c1985+ The elm avenue was originally pollarded but has been 'grown out'. 1988 The 1938 fernery was re-built as a bicentennial project Privet trees (Ligustrum lucidum) have been removed as these are now considered weeds (Mick Harvey, Orange City Council, pers.comm. to Australian Garden History Society (ACT, Monaro & Riverina Branch visit, 6/8/2005). Restoration of Blowes Conservatory, 2017/18 Restoration of Dalton Fountain in Cook Park, 2015/16 Refurbishment of the Cook Park duck ponds in 2013/14 (grant application, 3/2019, OCC).
Further information:	LEP - park, fernery, blowes conservatory = state significant


Current use:	urban park
Former use:	Aboriginal land, camping ground, reserve, park

History

Historical notes:

Orange's original (settler) name was Blackman's Creek. Blackman was the first chief constable of nearby Bathurst (Stuart Read, 2022, 2).

From 1846 to 1860 the park was a meeting place...for Aboriginal people, to meet when they came to town, and traelling teamsters camped there on their way out west. Located on the town's outskirts, the area was a marshy reserve, a good place for travellers to stop, or have a picnic (Marschke, 2022).

Sir Thomas Mitchell, (NSW) Surveyor-General, renamed it in 1848, after his good friend, Prince William of Orange (Read, 2022, 2).

During the early years of Orange, a number of decisions about open space were taken or confirmed which have shaped the city to the present day (ibid, 2022, 2).

When Orange's streets were laid out in 1846 over 14% of its 'square mile' was devoted to parks and public open space. Despite (having) Australia's first gold rush nearby, from 1851, it took 3 decades before Council could afford to develop them (ibid, 2022, 1).

Cook Park, like Robertson Park, Orange, owes its existence to government action long before its proclamation. The park was created by popular petition of the local Member of Parliament (and Commissioner for Crown Lands: Marschke, 2022). In 1853 the area was set out for housing 'Reserved for Mr Templer' (Orange City Council, undated).

In 1854 the whole block which became Cook Park was withdrawn from public auction (it was marked for residential sale in the renamed village of Orange in 1853: Marschke, 2022) and retained as open space at the south west corner of the township (OCC, undated).

Though the 1860 plan still showed the details of the abortive subdivision in 20 lots, the 1864 plan marked the block as 'proposed reserve' and so it remained. In the 1870s there was a second attempt to develop the site and a second public petition (OCC, undated).

The cannon in Cook Park was obtained from a collection distributed throughout NSW after cannons became obsolete for the defence of Sydney Harbour. It was obtained from what is now Sydney City Council in 1870. It bears the initials G3R, indicating that it was made in the reign of George III (1751-1820). It has been identified as a 24 pound smooth bore, cast about 1806 at the Carron Iron Foundry in Scotland. (OCC, undated).

Cook Park was proclaimed (by Orange Municipal Council as an official recreational resreve) in 1873. The reserve was naturally swampy: Mr Sheridan recalled how his friend Harry Albon talked of paddling there and catching frogs and tadpoles as a small boy in the 1870s (Hughes Trueman Ludlow, Orange City Council, 1986, 53). The first fence, made from wire and timber posts, was built in 1876 and a year later, celebrations were hel din the park for the opening of the railway line (Marschke, 2022).

From the 1870s, trees were planted, resulting in today's glorious selection: fine conifers and deciduous forest trees, giving good autumn colour and strong spring contrasts (ibid, 2022, 2). Marshke (2022) states that exotic trees started being planted in 1878 after Council Aldermen Windred and Dalton gave funds for selected trees, sent from the Sydney Botanic Gardens.

In April 1882 the name Cook Park was officially applied to the area in honour of Captain James Cook and in the late 1880s or in 1890 (more) plantings began, the first worth 20 pounds being made by Council staff. Some may have even been planted as early as the 1870s.

A statue placed in the park in honour of Captain Cook has since been removed (Marschke, 2022).

In 1887 Andrew Patterson** was employed as the first curator and instrumental in the development of the park during this early period (OCC, undated). In that year a Caretaker's Cottage was built at a cost of 185 pounds. Another curator Mr Bastick~ and his son formed two generations serving this park as curators. The cottage/lodge was named Bastick Cottage to honour these parks and gardens supervisors (father and son) who gave a total of 90 years service to Orange. They lived in this cottage/lodge, which was used up until the 1970s. It is now used as a craft shop (Harvey, pers.comm. 2005).

**Patterson was a Swedish-Australian surveyor and gardener, who had worked for wealthy local merchant, James Dalton (of Duntryleague).

There is evidence (records) of transfers of trees from Bloomfield Mental Hospital to Cook Park and Duntryleague - the hospital grounds being used as a kind of holding area (Harvey, pers.comm., 6/8/2005). The earliest plantings included elms (Ulmus sp.), oaks (Quercus sp.), lindens (Tilia sp.), poplars (Populus sp.), redwoods (Sequoia sp. & Sequoiadendron giganteum), cypress (Cupressus sp.) and ash (Fraxinus sp.) trees. c1882 - four deodar cedars (Cedrus deodara) were planted. These are now approximately 120 years old. Also a big tree/ redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum). This tree is one of the earliest in the park.

The park's Union Jack path pattern remains clear on the ground (ibid, 2022, 2).

Lawns and flower beds, and a gravel walk, conservatory and two pavilions were also constructed; from there on the park developed and took shape. Shrubberies, annual beds, bulb beds and exotic trees all became a feature of the park. Much of the design of the straight paths and rows of trees remain in place. A good example of a High Victorian style public park, Cook has a series of paths radiating from a central hub in which stand the bandstand and the John Gale Memorial Fountain.

To make a virtue of the water supply, a small lake was created in the park in 1890, with an island in the middle. The ornamental lake on the park's south-western edge was excavated about 1880 (Orange City Council, undated). The initial lake was built where the Frank Mulholland Memorial Garden can now be found (Marschke, 2022). Today it is a duck pond and provides a site for picnics. Many ducks live on its islands and goldfish and tortoises live in the pond. Picnic tables and swings are located nearby.

A second pond was excavated in 1902 (Marschke, 2022).

The remarkable assortment of trees, shrubs and flowers, with a conservatory and the two rustic pavilions mostly date from the 1890s (Hughes Trueman Ludlow, Orange City Council, 1986, 53).

The James Dalton fountain was donated in 1891 by very prominent Orange townsman, Dalton, a wealthy merchant who was part owner of Dalton Bros store, now the site of Grace Bros. It was erected in the park on the central axis off Summer Street near the central bandstand. It is built of cast iron and water falls from a central pipe down over 3 levels. On one of these levels 4 boys with urns stand on an acanthus embossed plinth. Above this level there is fern frond decoration and three storks (OCC, undated).

The Clinton Street-Summer Street corner gates were erected in the 1892 (Marschke, 2022).

A lodge, erected in about 1900, is built of sandstock brick and has a corrugated iron roof.

Two more lakes were excavated by 1908, full of gold and silver fishes and turtles. The current duck pond is one of these (Marschke, 2022). A further fountain in memory of John Gale was erected in 1908 (remodelled in the 1920s and relocated into the fernery in 1938).

The octagonal bandstand with its attractive carved wooden fittings, from which 'the Orange Band discourses sweet music' opened on 12 March 1908, bringing the park very much to its present condition, the band having decided in 1907 to build bandstands in Cook and Robertson Parks. It is octagonal and built on a brick foundation, with carved timber columns and railing and a weatherboard ceiling. The frieze is of carved timber and the peaked roof is tiled. Original gas fittings and music stands are extant. A delightful set of photographs of Cook Park was published in the Orange District Guide for 1908 and gives a good basis for modern comparison.

In the 1920s the fountain was remodeled and it took on its present form. A wrought iron perimeter fence and urns were removed (Marschke, 2022).

The park has two sets of notable cast iron gates. Of these the most impressive are those on the Clinton Street-Summer Street corner, erected in the 1890s. The other set, on the Summer Street-Sampson Street corner, were made in Parkes and were moved from Orange's Robertson Park to Cook Park in 1927. They were made by Dick Venebles of Parkes and paid for by funds raised by holding a sham fight and military display at the Gosling Creek Water Reserve.

By 1923 a description of the park included: tall trees, a World War 1 Howitzer gun and a cannon, a laurel arbour at the main entrance, lawns, a rotunda, fountain, swings and ponds, including hte Farnk Mulholland Memorial Garden and the current ponds with black swans and bucks as well as the fountain on the island in the pond's centre. There was also a fenced zoo area off Kite Street, with kangraoos, emus and brolgas - an Australian crane - and there were also various stories about dog attacks on the animals (Marschke, 2022).

1930 also saw the original aviary built and birds were donated by then Mayor of Orange, Dr Wally Matthews (1936-44 and 1948-50)(Marschke, 2022). The aviary was enlarged in 1995.

During the depression of the 1930s numerous unemployment relief projects were carried out in Orange. These included the building of a new conservatory and fernery in Cook Park. The Blowes Conservatory was finished in 1934 was donated by Mayor A Blowes to grow tuberous begonias in. Blowes became interested in these plants when CW Curran, a local storekeeper introduced them in the town. A large number of the original plants were donated by the City of Ballarat. It has retained a high reputation for its ongoing, annual begonia displays.

Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucster, attended the opening of the Blowes Conservatory in 1934 (Marschke, 2022).

The latticed fernery was completed in 1938*: incorporating 2 pieces of Daltoniana: the John Gale Memorial Fountain of 1891 is now (from 1938: Marschke, 2022 notes) located inside the fernery. It was originally located on an island in the centre of a small lake which was remodelled into the Frank Mulholland Memorial Garden. The other Dalton piece is the weathervane which had rotated above the Duntryleague stables in the 19th century (Hughes Trueman Ludlow, Orange City Council, 1986, 53). The fernery was later restored as a bicentennial project in 1988. It contains many tree ferns and shade loving plants. The structure contains the fountain from the original bush house, this being cast iron and having swan modelling. (OCC,, undated).

*Marschke, 2022 says the fernery was moved to its current location and re-built in 1938, implying it existed prior to that.

Also in 1938 the Frank Mullholland Memorial Garden, a sunken garden with sundial, was dedicated. Mullholland was Town Clerk from 1895-1935. The sunken garden and sundial were donated on 14 February 1938 by the Hon E. S.Spooner (Orange City Council, undated). The sunken garden was built in place of the (now drained) pond (Marschke, 2022).

1940s - The German 'Whiz Bang' Gun stood in Robertson Park for many years. It had been captured on the Somme in France by the 33rd Battalion of the 9th Brigade 3rd Australian Division. Many soldiers of this Brigade came from the Orange district. It was allocated to the Memorial Hall Trustees. It was removed from Robertson Park to Cook Park in the 1940s.

~The park's long-term caretaker and head gardener, James Joseph Bastick Sr. retired from his position in 1946. He had joined the garden staff at the age of 17 in 1894 and left Orange for Wagga Wagga in 1911, before returning to Orange later that year to become head gardener at Duntryleague and in 1920 he was reappointed as caretaker of the parks and gardens of Orange. J.J. Bastick Sr. was replaced as caretaker by his son James (Jim) (Marschke, 2022).

In 1954 a bird bath was donated by Mrs Fox-Martin in memory of H. Fox-Martin. Cook Park won the Sydney Morning Herald competition for Town Parks in 1969 (Marschke, 2022).

In 1973 a lighting system was installed in the park to celebrate the 50th anniversary of lighting in Orange. That year the Bastick family also left the (Gardener's) Cottage. It was used as a residence until 1975, when the Council determined it was in poor condition and unsuitable for use (Marschke, 2022).

An amenities block was built in 1976 and in 1977 the (Gardener's) Cottage was restored and the Guildry established, for the sale of craft in the cottage. A Bicentennial grant was issued to restore the fernery in 1987 and in 1994 the 1930s aviary was extended to its current form. The front section is new and the rear section is original (Marschke, 2022).

The park was classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in 1976, with special reference to the bandstand, fountain, conservatory, main entrance gates and the mature trees (Orange City Council, 2004).

The cannon wheels were replace din 2006 and the centenary of the bandstand was celebrated in 2008 (Marschke, 2022).

The Dalton Fountain was again restored and refurbished in 2015 and the Blowes Conservatory underwent extensive conservation and rebuilding works in 2017 (Marschke, 2022).

Cook Park has many mature plantings and stands on Orange's main street. It is one of a number of public parks in the city and has won many awards for its displays (Orange City Council, undated). It has been cemented into the fabric of hte town and remains central to community events including weddings, Australia Day ceremonies, markets, bands and music, as well as food and wine events (Marschke, 2022).

In November 2023 Orange City Council celebrated Cook Park's 150th anniversary with an exhibition on its history in the park and events (OCC, 2023).

** Alfred Andrew Patterson (c1859*1-1932), surveyor and gardener, was born in Drottningholm, Sweden and graduated from Uppsala University. Aged only 18 he was appointed lecturer at Hamburg University, Germany and afterwards left for England. He migrated to Australia, working variously as surveyor on the Mount Bischoff railway (Tas.) and the Nyngan-Byrock railway, interspersed with botanical collecting in Qld. Following a severe illness he worked as a gardener for merchant James Dalton, at Duntryleague*2, Orange, an 1870s mansion set in magnificent grounds. Through Dalton's influence he became the head gardener at Cook Park, Orange*3, and he was subsequently*4 head gardener at Machattie Park, Bathurst, for 20 years of a formative period in its development. He spent the remainder of his career as a shire engineer in country NSW (Aitken, 2002, 465.
*1 born 1857.
*2 Patterson was employed by Dalton who was MLA for Orange, probably at his property 'Kangaroobie' and probably in 1885 as this is the year the NSW contingent left for the Sudan War, to which Patterson was travelling when put off the train in Orange, with typhoid.
*3 When Cook Park was opened in 1887, he became the first head gardener, a position he held for 3 years. The site had been a swamp. A 14th April 1890 Bathurst Times editorial noted Patterson had 'by dint of hard work and exercise of skill, brought Cook Park, Orange to its present state of perfection'.
*4 In early 1890 a deputation from Bathurst, including Mayor Ald. Simmons and local MLA, W.H.Paul, went to Orange, ostensibly to examine the gravitational water supply scheme, and were taken to Cook Park where they met Patterson, and happened to mention Bathurst was seeking a Head Gardener to lay out the new Machattie Park in Bathurst and that a competition was first being held to find a design for the park. In March 1890 Bathurst Council advertised for a Head Gardener and in April Patterson was appointed. This caused some disquiet amongst the Aldermen of Orange.

Both Cook and Machattie Parks were difficult sites to develop. Cook Park was on a swamp...Both Cook Park and Machattie Park were designed and developed in the grand Victorian style with wide sweeping paths, a pond, a fernery and towering exotic trees reminiscent of 'The Old Country'. This was not only because that style was 'the flavour of the day' but it was the background that both Patterson and Lynch knew. In describing Machattie Park, Gutteridge, Haskins & Davey state:
'The design of Machattie Park is typical in many respects of the great Victorian era of Parks and Gardens where there was a return to the more formal French and Italian styles of design, as opposed to the more naturalistic English style of the 18th century. All manner of new styles were being adopted at this time along with the enormous influx of new and exotic plants being introduced from all over the globe.

The basic philosophy behind the Parks and Gardens Movement in Europe was that space was essential for human wellbeing and a healthier society. The design of ornamental parks relied, in particular, on the planting of trees and shrubs to control views and to highlight contrasts in form, colour, texture, light and shade. The cumulative effect was to impose a sense of beauty and grandeur on the visitor.

In Australia where heavy industrialisation was not yet such a concern, ornamental parks, while relying on similar design principles, were provided more to beautify urban centres and as symbols of civic pride. This certainly is the case with Machattie Park (Gutteridge, Haskins & Davey, Machattie Park Management Plan, 1990).

In 1900 and 1901 Patterson was seconded by the NSW Government to organise the floral displays for the Federation celebrations in Centennial Park, Sydney and the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of York (the future King & Queen).

Patterson published a regular gardening column in the Bathurst Daily Times and his reputation as a gardener flourished throughout the Central West of NSW (Harvey, undated).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Parks-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Plains and plateaux supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Horticulture-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Horticultural Society activities - exhibitions, competitions-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Park-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes demonstrating styles in landscape design-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Providing a venue for significant events-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Victorian era residence-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from suburban lots to public gardens-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	avenue of trees-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Resuming private lands for public purposes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Subdivision of urban estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying towns and villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing private towns-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	living in the suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	living in the country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Shaping inland settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	A Picturesque Residential District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th Century Infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in suburban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Indicators of early town planning and the disposition of people within the emerging settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	community park-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on public infrastructure projects-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Maintaining Botanic Gardens for educational purposes-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Local government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - parks and open spaces-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Performing important ceremonies and rituals-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Inspirational environments and events-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing structures to emphasise their important roles-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscape of Remembrance-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (late)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Federation period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th century post WW2-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - public parks movement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Victorian gardenesque style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Patronising artistic endeavours-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Parks and public gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ornamental Garden-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Valuing women's contributions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	musical gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a concert-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playground-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Glasshouse cultivation of plants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the park-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor concerts and performances-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	community park-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Developing collections of items-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying picnics-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Commemorating war losses-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Fund-raising activities for community charities-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Marking the phases of life-National Theme 9
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Erecting and visiting monuments and memorials-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Alfred Andrew Patterson, head gardener, park designer, columnist, engineer-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Cook Park is of state heritage significance as a remaining highly intact example of a Victorian style park within a rural inland city. The Cook Park area, as a swamp and water hole was used as a camping ground for travellers heading west, originally known as 'Cattle Dray Park' and was set aside from 1854 as a reserve. The park was named in 1873 after the centenary of Captain James Cook's arrival in Australia. The park has state significance expressed in intact depression era projects including the fernery, Blowes conservatory and the Frank Mulholland Memorial Garden.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Cook Park is of state heritage significance as a highly intact Victorian style park with elements to its style and layout with a demonstrable Victorian aesthetic. The characteristics particular to Cook Park as a state significant Victorian park are the centrally located rotunda and fountain, Victorian caretakers cottage and propagating house, conservatory, fernery, duck ponds and sunken rose gardens. The Cook Park elements are highly intact and are exemplary of the interwar eras of development in the park. The remaining 1870 tree plantings from the initial group sent from the Sydney Botanic Gardens include rare and endangered species such as the Sequoias which are exceptionally rare. Elements of the park such as the Blowes Conservatory and fernery, which were constructed by local residents as a depression relief project, display a high degree of creative and technical achievement and contribute to the state significance of Cook Park.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Cook Park has state significance as an early reserve site and as such can yield ongoing and further information regarding the former layout of the early 1890s gardens and pathways. It also has significance as an aboriginal meeting place in association with swamps and camping ground for travellers, Cook Park holds Aboriginal archaeological potential within its grounds.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Cook Park contains a collection of rare mature exotic tree plantings from its 1890-1920 Victorian period and from the 1920-1940 development period. These trees possess a high degree of rarity in Australia as exotics and are particularly suited to the cool winter climate of Orange. As such the trees are not seen in many of the rural parks within NSW.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Cook Park is part of a class of parks within rural NSW set as a passive recreation area within a rural city. Parks such as Robertson Park in Orange, Machattie Park in Bathurst, Queen Elizabeth Park in Lithgow, Belmore Park in Goulburn, Victoria Park in Dubbo and Robertson Park in Mudgee along with Cook Park are examples which represent a class within the region and NSW at large demonstrating principle characteristics congruent with each other. Such characteristics of the class include location within or close to the town centre, extensive exotic mature plantings, and central visual element such as rotunda/performance space, water feature/s, and fountain/memorial sculpture. The more formal Victorian parks of Machattie and Cook Parks contain the characteristic elements of the caretaker's cottage, fernery, propagating house, duck ponds, conservatory and highly decorative rotunda and fountain. Cook Park is highly intact in the NSW rural Victorian park typology with contributing Victorian elements, including a high integrity of remaining trees, monuments and built fabric and path layouts.
Integrity/Intactness:	Highly intact
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	1. Existing approved development: All works and activities in accordance with a current and valid development consent from Orange City Council or the NSW Land and Environment Court in force at the date of gazettal for listing of Cook Park on the State Heritage Register. 2. Current Development Applications (DA) as undetermined by Council: All works and activities in accordance with a current and valid development consent from Orange City Council or the NSW Land and Environment Court for: DA 207/04 commented on by Heritage Branch letter of 8/6/04; DA 62/04 commented on by Heritage Branch letters of 11/8/04 and 19/12/04; and DA 277/04, DA 278/04, DA 279/04, DA 280/04, DA 281/04, DA 282/04, DA 283/04 and DA 284/04 all commented on by Heritage Branch letters of 18/10/04, 9/12/04 and 24/12/04. 3. Works recommended by a current Conservation Management Plan endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW 4. Works in a current Plan of Management endorsed or otherwise approved by the Heritage Council of NSW. 5. General maintenance and repair • Suppression of fire. • Removal of trees considered a danger to the public or staff on the provision of a full report by a suitably qualified arborist, horticulturist or tree surgeon, provided a concurrent proposal for a replacement species is submitted and provided the Cook Park Management Team is satisfied with the proposal. • Implementation of erosion or compaction control measures and repair of damage caused by compaction or erosion. • Minor maintenance and minor repair of any building, structure, furniture, fixture, artwork, monument, fountain, roadways, pathways, retaining walls and fences or work within the square where the Cook Park Management Team is satisfied that the works will not materially affect heritage fabric, the heritage significance of the park as a whole or that such works do not entail new excavation (i.e. where such maintenance is in an existing trench or disturbed ground). 6. Management of lawns, garden beds, hard landscaping and living collections • Removal and replacement of existing small plantings, and removal, construction or alteration of garden beds, hard landscaping and plantings where the Cook Park Management Team is satisfied that the activity will not materially affect heritage fabric, the heritage significance of the Square as a whole or that such works do not entail new excavation (i.e. where such plantings are in an existing trench or disturbed ground). • Routine horticultural curation, including development, planting and management of displays of annuals and perennials. • Extension of irrigation system as necessary to areas in disturbed ground currently without this infrastructure. 7. Management of interpretive, information and directional signage • Minor works involving change to non-significant fabric. • Installation, removal and alteration of information and directional signage and labels where the Cook Park Management Team is satisfied that the proposal is appropriate, and that such works do not entail new excavation (i.e. where such installations are in an existing trench or disturbed ground). • Maintenance and repair of existing interpretive signage. 8. Furniture and fixtures • Installation, relocation, removal and maintenance of park furniture and fixtures where the Cook Park Management Team is satisfied that the proposal is appropriate and will not materially affect heritage fabric, the heritage significance of the Park as a whole or that such works do not entail new excavation (i.e. where such works are in an existing trench or disturbed ground).	Aug 24 2018
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01998	24 Aug 18	2018-82	5540
Local Environmental Plan
Potential Heritage Item	A		24 Jan 02
Register of the National Estate

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Central West Pilot Program SHRP	2001		Heritage Office SHRP		Yes
Orange Heritage Study	1986		Orange City Council		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	'A.A.Patterson' (entry)	View detail
Written	Bowyer, Kate	2022	Bastick Cottage integral part of Orange's Cook Park upgrade: Cr. David Mallard	View detail
Written	Clouston Associates	2013	Cook Park Masterplan - draft masterplan and interpretation strategy
Written	Heathcote, Richard, in Aitken, R., & Looker, M. (ed.s)	2002	'Cook Park, Orange, NSW' entry	View detail
Written	Hughes Trueman Ludlow, Orange City Council	1986	Orange Heritage Study
Written	Integrated Design Associates	2012	Conservation Management Plan - Cook Park, 24-26 Summer Street, Orange, NSW
Written	Marschke, Tanya	2022	Looking ack at the history of Orange's popular Cook Park	View detail
Written	Mick Harvey, Orange City Council, pers.comm. to Australian Garden History Society (ACT, Monaro & Riverina Branch visit, 6/8/2005	2005
Written	Orange City Council	2023	Cook Park - celebrating 150 years (exhibition catalogue)	View detail
Written	Orange City Council	2004	Orange, our colourful parks and gardens)(brochure)
Written	Read, Stuart	2024	'Four Favourite Parks in Central West NSW'	View detail
Written	Read, Stuart	2022	Two lovely town parks in Orange	View detail
Written	Spencer, Roger	1995	Horticultural Flora of South-Eastern Australia - Ferns, Conifers & their allies
Written	Wright, Christopher	2014	Cook Park Fernery - Existing Condition Report

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5052608

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