Other general comments included the need for more commercial and business uses within Oakwood, the need for more retail diversity, the fact that many small stores and shops tend to fail, and the need for Oakwood residents to support local businesses.

All interviewees agreed that the parks, open spaces, trees, vegetation, and rolling topography are among Oakwood’s most important assets. Also highlighted as assets were the older mature trees, the landscaped boulevards, Hills and Dales Park, and the gardens within the community.

Concerns related to regular maintenance of open spaces and boulevards, tree trimming, and the loss of large estates which contribute significantly to the open space character of the community.

Most interviewees agreed that traffic is not a significant problem within Oakwood, and traffic seems to move relatively smoothly within the community. The small residential streets were seen as an asset, because they tend to slow traffic within the neighborhoods.

However, several concerns were mentioned, including heavy afternoon traffic along Far Hills; traffic along Irving Avenue; some congestion in the Far Hills business area; the safety of children within the Far Hills business area; the need for improved crosswalks; the need to widen Shroyer Road, which could take pressure off Far Hills; traffic around schools; and the presence of some private roads, which the City does not maintain.

While most interviewees indicated that parking is not a significant problem in Oakwood, several issues were mentioned, including parking in the Far Hills business district, and near certain community facilities.

Concerns in the Far Hills area included a shortage of parking near the Oakwood Club; a shortage of parking near Starbuck’s and Graeter’s; the difficulty for non-Oakwood residents to find parking areas; and parking for employees. Two interviewees suggested an underground parking facility to serve the business district. A few said that homes should not be taken down to make room for more parking.

Several community facilities were highlighted as parking concerns during certain times of the day or during certain days of the week, including Harman School and Smith School; the High School; the Library; the Community Center; and St. Paul’s Church.

Some indicated that parking should not be allowed on residential streets, and that boat parking should not be allowed in front of homes.

While few of the interviewees use public transportation on a regular basis, most agreed that bus service is generally good, particularly along the Far Hills corridor.

Most interviewees agreed that parks in Oakwood are good and well maintained, particularly considering the size of the community and the lack of available land. However, several issues and concerns were also mentioned.

Several interviewees indicated that Oakwood needs more park land and additional recreation and sports facilities. Suggestions included an indoor pool; additional basketball courts, tennis courts and soccer fields; and an ice skating rink. Other communities in the Dayton area, which compete with Oakwood for new residents, offer more recreational amenities.