Another Crash at Orange’s Historic Circle Spurs Calls for Greater Safety Measures

Orange’s Plaza Square Park—better known as “The Circle”—is once again at the center of debate after another vehicle plowed into its historic fountain, renewing community frustration and calls for stronger safety measures. The Circle, a beloved landmark lined with shops and restaurants, has seen a series of similar incidents in recent years, with drivers losing control and striking the roundabout’s centerpiece.

This latest crash has sparked a renewed urgency among residents and city officials to balance preservation of the site’s historic charm with practical safety upgrades. Ideas being floated include adding protective, natural-looking barriers such as large planters or decorative posts that would stop vehicles while blending into the Circle’s iconic aesthetic.

For many in the community, the crash underscores long-standing concerns about traffic flow, visibility, and driver behavior in one of Orange County’s most unique intersections. Shop owners and residents have voiced frustration, pointing out that each accident not only threatens the fountain but also puts pedestrians and nearby businesses at risk.

While discussions continue, locals agree on one thing: the Circle is a treasured landmark worth protecting. Finding a solution that safeguards both its historic character and public safety remains a top priority for the city moving forward.

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