advocacy and support.” Members of OPT work with City officials and the Oakwood Historical Society to address issues relating to historic preservation.

The Oakwood Historical Society recently researched 16 Oakwood homes, three Oakwood schools, the Library, a church, and Hawthorn Hill. Based on this research, the Society published a booklet with photographs to be used in a driving tour of Oakwood. The historic properties identified by the Society are highlighted in Figure 7. In addition, the Oakwood Preservation Trust is working with local volunteers and University of Dayton students to complete Ohio Historic Inventory forms on several hundred properties. These records are on file at the Ohio Historic Preservation Office in Columbus, Ohio.

In addition to the properties identified above, there are many other homes and public buildings in Oakwood that have local historical and architectural interest.

The City should work with the Oakwood Historical Society and the Oakwood Preservation Trust to establish a list of Oakwood buildings that have historical and architectural significance. The City should also work with these groups to help educate local residents about the value of preserving and protecting historic homes and the fact that these historical features add to the unique image and character of the Oakwood community.

Oakwood is characterized by a wide range of architectural styles and building types and this architectural diversity is also an asset and an important component of the community’s character.

Landscaping and Natural Features

Oakwood is a community with extensive public and private landscaping. This includes the landscaping of residential properties, landscaping around public and institutional buildings, tree-lined streets, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, and several public parks and open spaces. Many of these serve as focal points and amenities within the neighborhoods in which they are located.

Oakwood has been recognized as a Tree City USA for 22 years and it was one of the first communities in southwestern Ohio to receive national recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation.

In addition, a total of 2,192 trees have been planted through the City’s annual Johnny Appleseed Street Tree Planting Program. The program is offered to homeowners each year and includes a 50% discount to homeowners as long as the trees are planted in the rights-of-way.

The northern and western parts of Oakwood are characterized by attractive natural features, such as rolling topography, ravines, wooded areas, and stream corridors. These features add to the quality and ambiance of the community.

Business Districts

Oakwood’s commercial and business areas occupy highly visible locations along the major streets that pass through the community. To complement Oakwood’s neighborhoods, all commercial development should be characterized by the highest possible standards of design and construction. The design and appearance of commercial buildings, site development, landscaping, lighting, signs and graphics, parking lots, and pedestrian amenities should all be of concern to the City.

While most commercial properties are well maintained, additional improvements should be considered to further enhance Oakwood’s commercial areas, particularly within the Far Hills and Park Avenue business districts.