It is important to emphasize that the Comprehensive Plan presents general policies and guidelines for community facilities. The Plan is not intended to preempt or substitute for the more detailed planning and programming which will be undertaken by the agencies and organizations that are responsible for each community facility.

Community Facility Recommendations

• Oakwood is well served by facilities and services and no major new public building projects are anticipated during the next few years, with the exception of the library which may consider enlarging its facilities. The primary emphasis during the next 10 to 15 years should be on enhancing existing sites and buildings as required, and on undertaking upgrades, replacements and expansions as necessary.
• Community facilities should be compatible with surrounding uses and should enhance the character of the neighborhoods in which they are located. Sites should be attractively landscaped and screening and buffering should be provided if necessary. Traffic generated by community facilities should not adversely impact surrounding neighborhoods.
• Adequate parking should be available at all community facility sites. However, it is recognized that site limitations make it impossible to provide all required parking, and the City must continue to rely on on-street parking to supplement off-street parking.
• The City should be attuned to the changing needs and requirements of local residents and businesses, and new facilities and services should be provided if they become necessary or desirable in the future.
• New public facilities should be viewed as opportunities to create new civic landmarks within Oakwood. Where possible, new facilities should be located, designed and developed as focal points and “signature” projects for the City.

Public School Recommendations

The Oakwood City Schools are considered one of Oakwood’s most important assets. The school system is one of the primary reasons young families with school-age children choose Oakwood as a place to live.

All school buildings in Oakwood are in the process of renovation and expansion. Infrastructure is being upgraded, roofs are being repaired, and improvements are being undertaken on the school interiors. Renovations are addressing safety and structural issues. New classrooms are being added at Harman, Smith and Oakwood Junior/Senior High School.

The City should continue to support Oakwood City Schools and promote continued cooperation between the City and the schools to maintain a quality educational system, improve and enhance school facilities as required, and promote communication between the schools, the City, and local residents.

Wright Memorial Public Library Recommendations

Wright Memorial Library is a school district library, which means that the School Board appoints Library Board members and is the Library’s taxing body. The Library is funded primarily through the State of Ohio’s Library & Local Government Support Fund and a local property tax levy, although there are fines and user fees.

Since the Library serves as a focal point for Oakwood and a foundation for the educational system, the City should work with the Library Board and Oakwood City Schools to help resolve space needs in the future.