City of Orange Approves Additional $300,000 to Improve Safety at Plaza Park Circle

The City of Orange has approved an additional $300,000 in funding aimed at reducing crashes around Plaza Park, the iconic traffic circle at the heart of Old Towne.

The decision follows years of ongoing concerns about drivers crashing into the circle, with vehicles frequently jumping curbs and entering the park area. These incidents have caused repeated damage to landscaping and infrastructure surrounding the historic fountain, raising safety concerns for pedestrians and prompting calls for stronger protective measures.

City officials discussed several enhancements designed to reinforce the circle’s existing safety features. Planned improvements include additional crash-rated barriers, upgraded lighting and reflectivity, and other physical protections intended to better shield the park from vehicles that lose control while navigating the roundabout.

The city has already implemented multiple safety upgrades in recent years, but crashes have continued to occur, particularly during late-night hours. The newly approved funding reflects an effort to build on those earlier measures and further protect one of Orange’s most recognizable and heavily visited public spaces.

Plaza Park serves as a central gathering place for community events, parades, and daily activity in Old Towne. City leaders emphasized the importance of preserving both public safety and the historic character of the circle while addressing the recurring crash problem.

While officials acknowledged that no single solution can completely prevent reckless driving, the additional investment signals a continued commitment to reducing collisions and safeguarding a landmark that holds deep significance for the Orange community.