Tony Thorpe was vocal about improving the park when he ran in the 2012 Bathurst Regional Council elections.

Now that the future of the park is again under discussion – following mayor Gary Rush saying the park could be turned into a cultural and entertainment precinct – Mr Thorpe says upgrades can be made to enhance its appeal.

Centennial Park is bordered by Bentinck, Rocket, Seymour and Lambert streets.

Mr Thorpe, who was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the popular adventure playground at Victoria Park, said he did not support a suggestion for Centennial Park to be used as an entertainment and cultural precinct.

Though it was important to maintain Bathurst’s green spaces, he said improvements could be made.

“I think we can do some smart things to reserve the open space, while putting some hallmark attractions there,” he said. 

He said the slope of the site was vital and could lend itself to a shallow but large expanse of water, which could be used by radio-controlled boats. A cascade waterfall could also be added.

Mr Thorpe said an expansive water garden could be created and a bridge through the parkland water body could also be included. 

He said a water presence was always relaxing for people and would make the park a more attractive picnic venue. 

Other ideas detailed in a report he has sent to Bathurst Regional Council include more user-friendly playground equipment for the kids, replacing the gravel pedestrian pathways with cobblestone blocks and adding outdoor artworks. 

“We could have an outdoor art area and even a collection of small studios which could be used by artists,” he said.

Mr Thorpe has also suggested that attractions such as a carousel, a miniature railway or car circuit, or a miniature scale reconstruction of Bathurst would help set the park apart. 

“We need to look at creating points of difference and interest, that separate it from other parks in the region,” he said. 

“I want the community to be aware and be awake to all the different opportunities.”