Continuing the City’s commitment to reinvesting in the community’s parks and facilities as part of the Capital Improvement Program, plans for replacing the Oxford Park playground are about to be implemented.

In preparation for this project, the Parks & Recreation Department undertook a design and community engagement process similar to its approach for other recent playground replacement projects.

In February of this year, the department reached out to park neighbors and provided them the opportunity to complete a survey about the playground, including preferred equipment. Children were also given a worksheet for sharing their ideas on the playground. This input was used to develop three concepts that were then shared with the community in May, with residents invited to complete an online survey to select their favorite option and to provide additional input about the playground.

After these two phases of outreach, the design for the new playground has now been finalized. Looking forward, the old playground is scheduled for replacement beginning in August, with completion of the new playground anticipated this fall.

The City’s Certified Arborists performed an enhanced “level 2” aerial Tree Risk Qualification Inspection, to identify any safety issues with the park’s mature trees. The trees immediately surrounding the playground area – which are appreciated by park users for the shade they provide – are in good shape. However, this inspection determined that one of the trees located by the parking pull-off area for the park – a Sweetgum tree – is displaying signs of decay in its upper branches that pose a safety risk. As a result, the Parks & Forestry Division has plans to remove this tree. Later this fall or next spring, four new large-species trees will be planted at the park.

Funding for the Oxford Park playground includes a $10,640 Natureworks Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The department wishes to thank the many residents who participated in this process. Once it is complete, we hope you enjoy your new Oxford Park playground for many years to come.