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.

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.

Our Needs

*Funds for monthly irrigation costs and maintenance.

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

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

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

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