The city of Oakwood took possession of the Hollinger Memorial Tennis Club in late 2016. The Oakwood Community Center is responsible for collecting all monetary donations and membership revenue for the club. To date, there have been 57 memberships sold, including two new members and five mid-season memberships.

For the 37^th consecutive year, Ohio was recognized nationally as a Tree City USA community, one of just 243 cities, villages and townships nationwide. In 2017, Ohioans planted more than 29,000 trees, pruned more than 85,000 trees, volunteered more than 50,000 hours in urban forestry programs, and invested a combined total of $40.8 million toward urban forestry efforts. Oakwood received a 36 year award as a Tree City USA city at the Tree City USA ceremony.

The old asphalt driveway at Smith Gardens was recently replaced by brick pavers. It was a nice improvement for Smith Gardens as well as the community.

The Smith Gardens Blanket Concerts are scheduled for Sunday, June 10 at 7 p.m. – Madcap Puppets – “Rumpelstiltskin: A Puppet Musical; Sunday, July 15 at 7 p.m. – The Fries Band; and, Sunday, August 5 at 7 p.m. – The Band “5”. Hundreds of people enjoy these concerts every summer by bringing their families, blankets and chairs to relax in the beauty of Smith Gardens. In case of rain, the concerts will be held at the OCC.

Ms. Collins recognized the Oakwood Environmental Committee for all of their efforts in planting a flower bed at Far Hills Avenue and Telford Avenue. This group of five individuals on the Environmental Committee did a beautiful job planting over 1,600 plants.

The MOMs Group donated and planted $250 of perennials at Cook Park. Cook Park is a beautiful addition to the Oakwood community.

Through the excellent work of Horticulturist Brian Caldwell, the wooden entrance pillars at Volusia and Oakwood Avenues was totally replaced.

Mayor Duncan congratulated Ms. Collins and the Leisure Services department.

Mr. Klopsch thanked Leisure Services Director Carol Collins for her 44 years of service. Carol and her staff continue to do a fabulous job creating a beautiful ambience throughout the City. Horticulturist Brian Caldwell is a jack of many trades with multiple skills and talents. He does a lot of jobs around the community. Gardner Pool continues to be a wonderful community resource. Program Supervisor Karen Earley does an outstanding job in the spring preparing the pool, overseeing the operation throughout the season, and then ensuring proper closure in the fall. Program Supervisor Thomas Hayes does a great job overseeing the Old River Sports Complex. Several hundred Oakwood United Soccer players utilize these fields.

Major construction is underway on the Shafor Park Tennis Courts. The City hopes to have the project completed by the end of July, or early August, in time for the Oakwood High School Tennis team 2018 season. The project includes a 5-court facility that will also be open to the general public. It will be a wonderful new addition to the community.

The Vectren gas line work for 2018 has begun on Peach Orchard Avenue and East Drive. The work on East Drive will be about a three month project and will involve a large trench being dug and a new 16” pipe installed. All residents that are affected by the work have been notified.

The asphalt paving project is scheduled to start on July 9 and will last approximately 1 – 2 weeks, depending on the weather. J.R. Jurgensen is the contractor. Residents that are affected by the asphalt work have already received notification.

The annual Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron Project will start mid-June. Most of the work will take place in the southeastern quadrant of Oakwood.

City Manager David Hicks recently retired from the city of Moraine. Mr. Hicks started in Moraine as a Public Safety Officer and served the community for over 40 years. His replacement, Bryan Chodkowski, started today. Mr. Klopsch wished Mr. Hicks all the best in his retirement.