The Oakwood Dolphins continue to dominate their league with over 181 swimmers. The registration deadline for the OCC and “Swimtopia” is Sunday, June 2.
Gardner Pool offers two different types of water workouts. A “Deep Water Workout” is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, and “Water Aerobics” is available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
A new pool liner was installed in the entirety of the large pool and baby pool this spring. The cost was approximately $107,000.
The Oakwood Community Center will be offering the following summer camps and activities: Bicycle Safety Class, Irish Dance Camp, Camp Shafor, Kiddie Kamp, Skyhawks Sports Camps, Girls Field Hockey Camp, Camp Hodge Podge, Kidz Home Alone, Better Babysitters, Super Kids Study Skills, Kids Trivia, Friday Fun Night, Brixilated Builders Academy Camps and Youth Theatre Camp. The following adult classes will also be offered: Tennis, Over 50 Fitness, Tai Chi, Upper Body Conditioning, PiYo, Core Strength and Stretch, Dancercize and Indoor Spinning.
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 33 memberships renewed this year, including two new summer memberships.
For the 42nd consecutive year, Ohio was recognized as the nation’s leader in Tree City USA communities, with 237 participating cities, villages and townships. In 2023, Ohioans planted more than 24,000 trees, pruned more than 77,000 trees, volunteered more than 42,000 hours in urban forestry programs, and invested a combined total of $40 million toward urban forestry efforts. Oakwood has been recognized for 42 years as a Tree City USA city.
In 43 consecutive years, a total of 3,323 trees have been planted through the Johnny Appleseed Street Tree Planting Project at a total cost of $482,416. The program is offered each year and includes a 50% discount to homeowners for trees that are planted in the city rights-of-way.
This year’s annual “Arbor Day Celebration” included a “Treesure Hunt” to find different species of trees in Oakwood for kids from both Smith School and Harman School.
The OCC, in conjunction with Wright Memorial Public Library, is presenting another fun season of “Pre-School Story Hour at Shafor Park.” The events offer a magical morning in the Gardens as the Children’s Librarian reads enchanting stories at 10:30 a.m. on the following Friday dates: June 28, July 26 and August 30.
The 2024 Friends of Smith Gardens Perennial Sale raised approximately $7,666. During the sale, around 25 children participated in the Garden Workshop for Kids.
Ms. Collins recognized the Oakwood Beautification Committee for doing a beautiful job with the Far Hills boulevard planting between Aberdeen Avenue and Telford Avenue.
The 2024 Smith Gardens Blanket Concerts began last Sunday with Madcap Puppets – “Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show.” The remaining concerts are scheduled for Sunday, July 14 at 7 p.m. – Honey & Houston and Sunday, August 18 at 7 p.m. – Puzzle of Light. Hundreds of people enjoy these free 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.
The Oakwood Beautification Committee is now in charge of the property beautification awards program. Awards are presented to single-family residences, a business property and/or to an apartment/condominium property each month during May, June, July and August. Up to two awards are presented in each of the eight property maintenance districts. The winners for May 2024 have already been chosen and notified. There are 15 residence winners and 1 business winner.
Mrs. Jackson asked how many trees the City maintains in Oakwood.
Ms. Collins said that there are over 8,000 known or recorded trees that are maintained by the city.
Mrs. Turben suggested a “Treesure Hunt” for adults.
Ms. Collins said that they would certainly consider it.