There were kids on foot, on bikes and even on rollerskates entering the Orange Anglican Grammar School (OAGS) front gate on Monday morning as the school celebrated the official opening of their new pedestrian and cycle link to the city.

The pathway extends from the school along the southern edge of the Mitchell Highway, over a new footbridge crossing Ploughmans Creek and connects to existing footpaths in front of the Rural Fire Service station.

Orange Anglican Grammar School principal, Rev Louis Stringer, said it is an exciting time for their school community as it is the first time in their 18-year history that they have safe pedestrian access for students.

“It is a significant milestone in the history of OAGS and it is actually the first time in our journey that a dedicated pedestrian and cycle pathway connects our school to the city which we're excited about because it promotes accessibility, sustainability and community connections,” Rev Stringer said.

Since the school opened, Rev Stringer said they have been looking for pedestrian access for students, but it has taken some time until a solution could be found.

He said the school gifted Council land adjoining the Molong Road in order that there was enough room to build a footpath.

“After working with our local government and Council and gifting them some of the land they've kindly put in a pedestrian pathway that now links us to the city,” he said.

“They put the footbridge in recently that's in front of the fire station and that has finally connected us up.” 

To celebrate, the school held a ‘Ride or Walk to School Day’ on Monday, November 18, with Member for Orange, Phil Donato joining Rev Stringer welcoming students at the school gate.

 “Phil Donato, our local member was there to support the opening and we watched as dozens of kids came through the gates either on a bicycle, on foot and even on rollerskates. So it was a really exciting time,” Rev Stringer said.

“I want to thank the local council for paving the way to success at OAGS and connection into the city.”