Oakwood Historical Society Recommendations

The Oakwood Historical Society was incorporated in August 1974. The purpose of the Society is to preserve, research, display, publish, and promote interest among Oakwood residents in the history of the community, its government, schools, public enterprises, local citizens, and its architecture.

The Society has made several improvements to the Long-Romspert Homestead over the past few years and is presently working on a new strategic plan. The major initiative of this plan is to develop the homestead into a historic museum and archives/acquisition facility for public use. This calls for major renovation of the interior of the homestead and development of educational programs for the schools and for the general public as it pertains to Oakwood history and architecture.

Because of the growing interest in historic preservation in Oakwood, the City should work with the Society to help satisfy these future needs.

Department of Leisure Services

The Department of Leisure Services was created in 1987. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life in Oakwood by offering a variety of activities and programs. Its purpose includes building upon the natural beauty of the City, as well as the care and maintenance of parks, public gardens, boulevards, and public rights-of-way. The Department operates 13 park sites totaling approximately 32.9 acres.

Parks and Open Space Recommendations

Because Oakwood is primarily a residential community, parks, open spaces and recreational facilities add to the quality of life within the City. Several opportunities for enhancing parks and open spaces are highlighted below.

• The City should continue to promote enhancement of the open space character of Oakwood as a distinguishing feature of the community. Open spaces are defined as park sites, landscaped boulevards, tree-lined streets, small open spaces at roadway intersections, wooded ravines and other natural areas, and the landscape treatment around public sites and institutional facilities.
• While additional park land may be desirable in Oakwood, the small size of the community and the fact that the community is landlocked with very little vacant land, will make the development of new park sites difficult. However, the City and Leisure Services might explore options for acquiring additional park land, including:
  • a) The purchase of selected lots that become available in locations where park land is in short supply;
  • b) The preservation of selected open spaces as large estates are subdivided;
  • c) A small park or open space at the Sugar Camp property; and
  • d) The acquisition or leasing of additional lands outside the City.
• Plans are under discussion to update the Orchardly Park wading pool, to reconstruct the tennis courts at Shafor Park, and possibly update park shelters.
• Many residents within Oakwood have expressed the need for a new indoor recreational facility. The City should undertake a feasibility study to determine if a new facility should be added. Redevelopment of the Oakwood Community Center may be the most promising opportunity, rather than acquiring new land.