Friends of Oakhurst Park (FOOP)

In 2015, upon learning the City of Fort Worth no longer irrigates neighborhood parks, an Oakhurst family adopted Oakhurst Park and on October 14, 2015 founded FRIENDS OF OAKHURST PARK-FOOP, a 501(c)3 service organization whose sole mission is to MAINTAIN PROTECT, AND PRESERVE Oakhurst Park for future generations.  Friends and neighbors joined the organization and with community support and generosity, FOOP has worked tirelessly to keep Oakhurst Park green and growing!

Since its founding, FRIENDS OF OAKHURST PARK-FOOP has kept Oakhurst Park's 50+ year old irrigation system running; planted multiple pallets of grass; added irrigation to the park's seasonal planting bed; sponsored "Art In Oakhurst Park" a collaborative project with the Riverside Arts District and Carter Riverside High School Art Students; hosted "Pets of Oakhurst Park" highlighting the installation of a drinking fountain that is ADA, pet, and child accessible; restored two 40+ year old park benches; taken a public stand against bullying as children and adults painted their hand prints on the Oakhurst Park Buddy Bench pledging to make Oakhurst Park, our neighborhood, and our City a kinder place to live and play; planted 5 crepe myrtle trees & partnered with the City of Fort Worth Forestry Department to re-forest Oakhurst Park by planting 8 Oak trees; sponsored tributes to First Responders & Frontline Workers by wrapping all trees in Oakhurst Park with "White Bows of Gratitude"; as well as sponsoring monthly First Saturday "Playdates in Oakhurst Park" which bring together the parents and children of the community.

In 2024, to celebrate the Oakhurst Neighborhood's 100th Anniversary, Sharon Kutilek Buse, the founder of FRIENDS OF OAKHURST PARK-FOOP presented the Oakhurst neighborhood the fully restored Oakhurst Park 1950 era toucan play pieces she rescued from destruction during the 2023 Oakhurst Park playground re-construction project.  The "big birds" were painted back to life by Riverside Arts District artists Nicole Ofeno Payne and Raef Payne and re-installed in the park as stationary play pieces.

In 2026, FRIENDS OF OAKHURST PARK-FOOP launched its 

Red, White, & Bluebirds Project: A celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary 

The bluebird project highlights how not long ago, in a contest to choose an official Fort Worth city bird, a group of school children selected the Eastern Bluebird as their favorite bird. The Fort Worth City Council agreed, and this bright, beautiful, blue bird became Fort Worth’s official City bird. 

Bluebirds are North American songbirds and are symbols of happiness and hope. The Eastern Bluebird, the bird chosen as Fort Worth’s official city bird, has brilliant blue wings and an orange-colored chest.

Utilizing information sourced from the Audubon society and Texas Bluebird Society, the mission of FOOP’s Red, White, & Bluebird Project is to increase the population of Fort Worth’s official city Bird by installing nesting boxes beginning in Oakhurst Park, and sharing the program throughout Fort Worth parks, green spaces, FWISD school campuses and with all who are interested. 

Our Needs

*Funds for monthly irrigation and ground maintenance costs.

*Funds for Annual "Spruce Up" efforts including:  Annual Flower Planting and Landscape Material Cost.

*Funds for Programing including: FOOP's Bluebird Project; First Saturday Playdates, Holiday & Seasonal Celebrations, Children Activities.

*Funds for Park Enhancements including:  Additional Picnic Tables & Park Benches, a Bike Rack, and Outdoor Grill.

*Funds to Repair/Replace Irrigation System. Current irrigation system is over 50 years old.