Friends of Oakhurst Park (FOOP)

In 2015, after learning the City of Fort Worth implemented policy to no longer irrigate neighborhood parks, an Oakhurst family adopted Oakhurst Park and on October 14, 2015, and with the support of friends and family, founded FRIENDS OF OAKHURST PARK (FOOP), a service organization whose mission is to maintain, protect, and preserve Oakhurst Park for future generations.

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

Since its founding, FRIENDS OF OAKHURST PARK has kept Oakhurst Park's 50+ year old irrigation system running; planted multiple pallets of grass; added irrigation to the planting bed for annual flowers; 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 park drinking fountain that is ADA, pet, and child accessible; restored two 40+ year old park benches; taken a public stand against bullying as children, teenagers, 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.

Our Needs

*Funds for Programing including: First Saturday Playdates, Fitness, Holiday & Seasonal Celebrations, Buddy Bench & Anti-Bullying Events.
*Funds for Park Enhancements including:  Additional Picnic Tables & Park Benches, a Bike Rack, and Fitness Station.
*Funds for Annual "Spruce Up" efforts including:  Annual Flower Planting and Irrigation Cost.
*Funds to Repair and Replace Irrigation System.  Current irrigation system is over 50 years old.