Oakland Park, Florida
Less than three miles north of Fort Lauderdale in eastern Broward County is a lovely city, Oakland Park that is keen to maintain its small town feel. Named for its tall oaks, Oakland Park stands where Floranada once existed, before the hurricane of 1926. The city prides itself on its deep-rooted traditions, history and people who rarely leave. In fact, the descendants of some of the pioneers still live here.
About the Community
Oakland Park is a city with mostly single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. In addition to excellent public and private schools, Oakland Park offers outstanding recreation, beautiful parks and is a food lover’s paradise. Home to over forty four thousand people in about nine miles area, the population has grown by over twenty percent since the nineties, largely due to new immigrants from Latin America. Almost thirty percent of the population was born abroad and over twenty-five percent of the residents are of African American origin.
The Oakland Park Athletic Complex-East (now Wimberly Fields Park) provides outstanding sports facilities including lighted softball fields, covered pavilion, and a mile of jogging track with exercise stations. The public library grounds host an annual Art In the Park. With hundreds of arts and craft booths, this juried fine art festival also features children’s activities such as storytelling, face painting, Create-Your-Own-Book and of course a variety of food.
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East Coral Lake is the venue of many water related activities and the local John D Easterlin Park, officially designated an urban wilderness area, offers a relaxing retreat among 250-year-old cypress trees. The Woodland Nature Trail winds through a forest of cypress, oak and maple trees. The park provides a campground, fishing, picnic areas, and playgrounds. It is also the venue for the popular South Florida Folk Festival, a celebration of folk music that draws big names yet keeps the atmosphere casual. Other attractions at this festival are the Jam tent, where any one can participate, and the “sing-off” competition.
Vicinity of Oakland Park
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Oakland Park offers outstanding dining opportunities. Its library, one of the largest in the county and is one of the few remaining city-owned libraries and serves as a venue for numerous activities. The local Oakland Park Elementary School is the oldest functioning school in Broward County and was declared a national landmark in 1988. Active work is on to revitalize the downtown district.
Oakland Park is also emerging as a hub for craft breweries and culinary innovation, earning it a reputation as a destination for foodies and craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s downtown Culinary Arts District is home to a vibrant mix of unique eateries, artisan shops, and breweries that showcase local flavors and creativity. Events like the popular ‘Oakland Park Oktoberfest’ and ‘Taste of Oakland Park’ bring the community together to celebrate its diverse cultural heritage through food, music, and entertainment, making it a delightful destination for visitors and residents alike.
