Village Information

About the Village of Oakwood

The people comprising the unincorporated land known as Bedford Township voted 480 to 198 on May 1, 1951 to become its own township and as a result the Village of Oakwood was formed. The Village of Oakwood had a population of 2,500 in 1951 which was spread over 3 1/2 square miles of land. The Village held its first Council meeting in July of that year. Oakwood had a budget of $2 million which caused Vincent Arnold, the first Mayor of Oakwood, to say: “We may lack experience and funds in running our town, but there is no lack of enthusiasm in our community.”

The Oakwood Boosters Club was formed on June 6, 1951, with the purpose of assisting local government and to encourage citizen interest in local affairs. Without the support of the boosters, Oakwood Village may not have survived the early years after its formation. The boosters provided necessary funding to purchase Village Hall along with the first police car radio, and Ordinance books.

The Village, in accordance with the Ohio Constitution, adopted a Charter in 1968 which was instrumental in allowing the Village to exercise all the right of local self government. Free and open communication between the residents and their elected officials has always played an important role in the success of the Village.

The formation of the Oakwood Beautification Committee in 1970 is proof that the citizens of the Village continue to be involved with their community. Oakwood has won several awards including the “National Clean-Up Competition” and was named as one of the nation’s most walkable cities with the construction of nearly 5 miles of an all purpose asphalt trail which loops its way through and around the Village.

Since its inception, Oakwood Village continues to grow into a proud and progressive community with ongoing efforts to cultivate high tech businesses and new home development.

Oakwood truly is a family friendly community. Oakwood Village continues to be a senior-friendly, family-first community with several activities for persons of all ages. These include a first rate recreation program and senior programming and services that are second to none. All Oakwood residents have the opportunity to enjoy trips to The Chagrin Valley Little Theater productions, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and many other places of interest. The Oakwood Community Concerts, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation) in collaboration with the mayor has for many years hosted a free summer concert series with nationally and internationally renowned performers such as “The Van Dells”, “The Drifters”, Mike Albert’s “Memories of Elvis” and many others. The youth of the Village enjoy fun filled summers with eight weeks of activities such as; bowling, swimming, white water rafting, basketball, line dancing, arts & crafts, ice skating, soccer, canoeing, picnics, horseback riding, classes such as; cheerleading, gymnastics, Kung Fu, weight training, etiquette, MAD scientist club and much, much more.

Oakwood Village is truly the place to live, work and raise a family.

Excerpts from Thelma Kerlin’s article 8-12-1971