Investing in History

Oakland's initiatives maintain the town's past, present and future

OAKLAND | Orange County | Pop. 3,365

by Elisha Pappacoda, Town of Oakland

A day spent in the Town of Oakland will take one back in time to the old, quaint Florida of yesterday. Despite recent home growth, the town remains a charming, unhurried community, not unlike it was in 1887 when the town was incorporated.

Historic Oakland Town Hall was formerly a bank.

Photo courtesy of Town of Oakland

Oakland is one of the oldest municipalities in Orange County. Due to the county’s growth, maintaining Oakland’s small-town character as “nestled among the oaks” has been one of its most difficult challenges – and greatest accomplishments. Over the last three years, nearly 500 new homes have been built in Oakland, with more than 250 planned by 2024. Yet today, the town’s tree-lined roads are nostalgic reminders of an era when life was simple and everyone knew their neighbors. Residents still meet and greet each other every morning when they pick up their mail at the historic Oakland Post Office.

The town is located between Johns Lake and Lake Apopka and is bisected by the Green Mountain Scenic Byway. Its more than 3,000 residents live within a quiet, serene atmosphere tucked away from the nearby State Road 50 but just close enough to access it and Florida’s Turnpike within minutes. For cyclists, walkers and joggers, the town’s location is ideally situated along the West Orange Trail, surrounded by enormous mossdraped oak trees.

Lake Apopka is one of the largest lakes in Florida.

Photo courtesy of Town of Oakland

For its 18th year, Oakland has been designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. In 2020, Public Works staff oversaw the installation of more than 230 trees in rights of way, parks and new residential developments.

The Town Commission continues to demonstrate its commitment to the environment by eliminating septic systems in an ongoing effort to protect precious environmental resources and promote economic development. Oakland has initiated the construction of a wastewater system that will greatly enhance business opportunities along the State Road 50 corridor and lead to the creation of an estimated 5,000 jobs. The wastewater system improvements will serve the entire town and afford opportunities for future residential and commercial growth. This critical north-south connection will also help to protect Lake Apopka for future generations.

Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center ribbon cutting.

Photo courtesy of Town of Oakland

In addition to protecting the environment and promoting economic development, the town celebrates its history, art and nature. In early 2021, Oakland opened the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. The center is devoted to preserving Oakland’s past, present and future. It gives residents and visitors the opportunity to see the town like never before as they step into a gallery full of paintings, historical photos, artifacts and more – all featuring Oakland as the centerpiece.

“The town is excited to share our rich history and love of the arts with the community, as we invite guests to step inside and learn about what makes Oakland such a special place,” said Mayor Kathy Stark.

Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland.

Photo Courtesy of Town of Oakland

The town’s inaugural exhibit, “Est. 1887,” explores Oakland’s history as the industrial and social hub of Orange County more than 130 years ago. Conceptualized with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, it features framed historic photographs, portraits, and, items highlighting Oakland’s early history, including minute books, the town’s original seal and archeological artifacts. A cornerstone piece is the majestic Oakland Presbyterian Church’s stained glass window dating back to 1919.

Center staff members are working with Orange County Regional History Center historians to preserve and share oral histories of Oakland’s valued community members, including descendants of those buried in the historic African American Cemetery.

Oakland Nature Preserve offers environmental education and ecotourism activities.

Photo courtesy of Town of Oakland

Education is another focus for the town. Open year-round, the Oakland Nature Preserve is a 128-acre preserve that offers environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages. Oakland Avenue Charter School holds educational classes at the preserve as part of each classroom’s curriculum. The free public charter elementary school, owned and operated by the town, serves kindergarten through fifth grade.

The town’s continued investments in its history, environment, art and education have helped preserve the small-community lifestyle that its residents have known for generations while also preserving its future.

Elisha Pappacoda is the administrative services and communications director for the Town of Oakland.