Reviving Oldham

Among the parks in Ohio County, one has seemed to go unnoticed until recently. Local people are now meeting weekly to help with a volunteer project that intends to breathe life back into Oldham Park, a local park located on North Broadway Street in Beaver Dam.

Ohio County man, Willie Parker, recognized the need for attention when he tried to bring his son to the park one day.

“I couldn’t even take my son here and the basketball goals were locked.” Parker said.

He recalled playing basketball at the park all of the time when he was younger and wants the park to be a place that he can bring his son and create a place for others in the community to have a place to come together.

Alongside Parker, his mother Crystal Thompson, and friends Noah Miller and Cindy Miller have played a large role in the park efforts.

The group created a Facebook group page titled ‘Make Oldham Great Again’ and presented their ideas during a local city commission meeting.

“The city has been very helpful with us,” volunteer Cindy Miller said.

When suggested by the group, the city was very on board with a “neighborhood watch” which has since been initiated. Motion sensor and timed lights are now at the park and local police patrols in the area are being increased.

“What makes it (the park) different is the history,” Noah Miller said.

Among the history, is Latney Oldham, 28-year serving mayor of Beaver Dam in the 1930’s. The park also served as the initial location for the state’s largest running band festival and was home to many leagues throughout the years.

According to Parker, many people have expressed their interest and excitement for the project. Community members have been donating their time, local preachers stopping by to pray with the group and others stopping by to share their experiences and memories made at this park during it’s “happening” times and thank the crew for what they are doing.

The team has begun making progress on multiple aspects of the park including the newly painted and chained basketball goals and the freshly painted buildings and bleachers. A volleyball court and updated softball field are also in the works. Restroom and concession areas are currently being cleaned in hopes to receive pricing quotes to get them up and running.

Upcoming events, including a kickball tournament and trunk or treats night, have been created to draw attention, fundraising and togetherness to the park. The team spoke on the importance of the park being a place of equality that welcomes everyone and especially the children and families of the nearby homes in the area.

“The park is literally in their backyard and they couldn’t come here,” Noah Miller said.

The group is brainstorming additional ways to draw people to the park and are encouraging others to contact them or come down to the park and see the progress. The local team also wants others to know that all money and donations provided will go towards the park and help give back to the community.

“We would love to see more people down here,” Parker said.

Volunteers meet every Saturday at 2 p.m. at Oldham Park as well as most Sundays and weekdays. The team is asking for more community involvement and welcomes everyone to the park. Donations can be made at the Facebook page or by stopping by at the park.