In January, Bathurst Regional Council called for a scoping study into the park’s future, and former mayor Gary Rush said all options were being considered, and he would not rule out buildings being constructed on the site.

The Friends of Centennial Park (FoCP) group, meanwhile, has called for the area to be improved, but left as a green space.

A petition in support of the community group’s campaign has so far attracted more than 650 signatures.

And, until the end of April, FoCP will have a booth inside the National Australia Bank (NAB) on William Street for the community to add their signatures to the petition.

“We think it’s really nice that businesses have offered to help,” FoCP group member Vianne Tourle said.

“We thought it was an ideal opportunity to expose our cause to businesses in the CBD.”

NAB assistant manager Amos Northey said the bank was happy to assist any community organisations by providing space in the foyer.

Andrew Churches, from Churches Garden Centre, said it was a “no-brainer not to have it [the park] there”.

Ms Tourle said Centennial Park was designated as a ‘reserve for public recreation’ in 1846, and in the past it has been used for animal grazing, circuses, playgrounds and sporting events.

“It’s unique in that its 10 acres of precious open space,” she said.

Bathurst company Integrated Design Group has been awarded the council contract to conduct the scoping study into the park’s future uses which could range from keeping it as open space to the construction a new community building.

Mayor Graeme Hanger said in-depth community consultation will be conducted during the scoping study, and this would involved liaising with all community interest groups.

“A public discussion forum, open to all members of the community, will also be arranged, as will a working party with councillors to generate ideas for the park’s future,” he said.

Ms Tourle has thanked a number of businesses for their supporting during their campaign, including: