2 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine
Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community
CONTENTS
Margaret Davis Park, located at Larchmont and Avondale, is chaired by Lisa Day.
Cover story Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. 4-9 Nichols Hills’ 31 parks are maintained by individual chairmen who raise money and arrange for the maintenance of their park. In addition to a letter-writing campaign, the organization also hosts several fund raisers.
Made in the shade 4-9 Have a shady place to plant? Coleus and other plants thrive without much sun. The G.A. Nichols Park, located at Avondale and Sherwood.
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Susan Marshall, president of Nichols Hills Parks, Inc., at Randal Road Park, of which she is the chairman of. She also is the chairman of Lisle Park and Gumerson Park. Photos by Rose Lane
Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. Keeping the city beautiful Nichols Hills Mayor Peter Hoffman in the Mayor’s Park, Drury Lane and Nichols Road.
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Nichols Hills residents take an active role in keeping their city beautiful by volunteering with the parks program. Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. has a board of 31 members who volunteer their time as park chairmen to help maintain each individual park and greenway throughout the city. Susan Marshall is the chairman of the organization. She said the motivation behind each chairman’s commitment is simple.
“We want to keep our city beautiful.” In the late 1970’s, Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. (Parks, Inc.) originally began as a novel Adopt-A-Park idea under the leadership of John Kilpatrick and former Nichols Hills Mayor, Ann Taylor, as a way to raise funds to help the parks remain a “glorious setting” for the city, Susan said. This founding concept remains the mission of the organization. Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. was formally organized in 1983 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization designed to funds to beautify and sustain the 31 neighborhood parks in Nichols Hills, of which Kite Park and Davis Park are the largest. Each member is assigned one park and is given the responsibility for overseeing the annual budget for that park, Susan said. The budget typically includes such items as seasonal and other plantings, trimming, weeding, fertilizing, pest control and other necessary maintenance. Susan said the City of Nichols Hills is responsible for the mowing, watering and electricity of each park. Continued on Page 6
Nancy Herzel is the chairman of Roy Devero Park, located at Avondale and Trenton. She is also the treasurer of Nichols Hills Parks, Inc.
E.L.K. Park — Camden and Holtzendorff Parkway.
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Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. Continued from Page 5
Parks, Inc. is self-supporting and raises funds in several ways. First and foremost, there is a direct solicitation letter sent to each resident asking for a donation to support a particular neighborhood park, she said. These funds are specifically designated to each park and spent as directed by the park chairman. Donations for the Nichols Hills Directory are another means of raising park funds. Advertising donations from local businesses for this publication benefit the organization, Susan said. And, each family who donates a minimum of $25 to one of the 31 parks during the year is sent a directory free of charge. Directories can also be purchased at City Hall. They are $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents
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Karen Smith, chairman of Anderson Park, Avondale and Waverly. She is also assistant secretary of Nichols Hills Parks, Inc.
Amy Bankhead is the chairman of Tankersly-Bankhead Park, Trenton and Belford.
The Nichols Hills Garden Tour, begun in 1990 under the leadership of Board Chairman Susan Marshall, also raises money for the parks. During this one-day event, five to six residents generously open their private gardens to the public for viewing. Over the years, Susan said this successful tour has funded the purchase of park benches, trash receptacles, landscaping installation, tree trimming, as well as the annual Christmas lights, which delight the residents during the holidays. Davis and Kite Parks are the most costly to maintain. Susan said that through the generosity of the Margaret and William Davis family, Katie and the late Aubrey McClendon and the Frederick Upton Foundation, Davis Park went through an extensive renovation in 1997. This makeover added many beautiful amenities to the park, including playground equipment and a paved walk-way around the park. Established in 1934 by Dr. G.A. Nichols and William Kite, Kite Park was redeveloped in 2008 through the vision and leadership of Peter Hoffman, Jr. and the generous donations of many residents, most notably Katie and the late Aubrey McClendon, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Louise and Clay Bennett, Sydney and Emory Hood and Allie and Walter Duncan, Jr. This transformation is not only lovely, but has significantly increased community activity in the park. A key addition to Kite Park was the installation of a walk-way, which was partially funded by Parks, Inc. Susan said Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. thrives because of the numerous volunteer hours given by the 31 board members of Parks, Inc. along with community support. “This commitment plus the generosity of our residents are vital to the beautification and maintenance of the lovely parks and greenways in our neighborhood.� Anyone wishing to donate to the parks project can send those to: Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. 6407 Avondale Dr., Nichols Hills, Okla. 73116.
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Polk Park — Brentwood, Larchmont and Avondale.
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Evangeline Park — Avondale and Belford.
Nichols Hills park chairmen Anderson Park Karen Smith Assistant Secretary Avondale Park John Richels Avondale Court Park Lil Ross Bedford-Drury Park Marilyn Meade, Assistant Secretary Peter Hoffman Family Park Patty Anthony Camden Way Park Carrie Sparling Dorset-Somerset Park Carole Thompson
Drake Family Park Carole Drake
Lisle Park Susan Marshall
E.L.K. Park Jim Loftis
Margaret Davis Park Tina Day
Evangeline Park Shari Buxton
Mayors Park Mayor Peter Hoffman
Grand Island Park Burch Fryer
Nichols Road Park Erin Johnston
Woods Park — Grand Boulevard
Gumerson Park Susan Marshall
Polk Park Gay Kirby, Secretary
Sherwood Circle Park Helen Sullivan
Harvey Park Dana Childress
Plowman Park Carl Holliday
Tankersly-Bankhead Park Amy Bankhead
James D. Moran Park Susan Prescott
Randel Road Park Susan Marshall, President
Waverly-Wilshire Park Susan Marshall
Kite Park Henry Hood
Roy Devero Park Nancy Herzel, Treasurer
Woods Park Casey Williams
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Made in the shade Plants need sunlight to thrive and grow, but some need less sunlight than others. People who find their landscapes are less supportive to sun-loving plants can choose from a variety of shade-tolerant plants, shrubs and trees. Shade tolerance refers to a plant's ability to withstand low levels of light. Certain plants have adapted this feature to survive in the wild. Plants that grow at the base of forest floors, for example, will get less sunlight than others outside of the tree canopy. Such adaptations enable a wide variety of foliage to grow even though they are not exposed to much sunlight. While sun-loving plants often have broad leaves and expend significant energy to capture sunlight for photosynthesis, shade-tolerant plants expend less energy and tend to be more efficient consumers of soil nutrients and sunlight. Penn State Extension's Plant and Pests division says the amount of shade a plant is growing under will directly affect the density of the foliage and the plant's flowering and fruiting characteristics. Blending shade-tolerant plants into the landscape can be an effective use of space. Before choosing plants for an existing landscape, it's important to assess the level of shade or sun the plants will receive. • Heavy shade: Heavy shade is when no direct sunlight reaches a plant. This occurs at the base of northern-facing walls or beneath thick tree canopies. • Full sun: Areas that receive full sun enjoy direct sunlight between six and eight hours per day. • Moderate shade: These sites have reflected sunlight that may come off of water features. • Light shade: Plants in these areas will get partially filtered or dappled sunlight. Once homeowners understand which type of shade they are dealing with, they can then visit plant nurseries and select their plants. Most greenery comes with care instructions that include recommendations regarding the amount of shade/sunlight the plant will need to do well. If further
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assistance is needed, a knowledgeable employee can make suggestions based on landscape needs. Those who are looking for some preliminary guidance when it comes to selecting shade-tolerant shrubs, plants or trees can consult the following list. • Bleeding heart: Bleeding heart, or Dicentra spectabilis, is typically found in woodlands. It's a perennial in the poppy family that produces mounded foliage and arching vine-like stems of heart-shaped flowers in the spring. • Amethyst flower: Browallia hybrids offer star-shaped blooms of blue and violet. These plants will billow out of hanging baskets or containers, and they prefer warm shade or filtered sunlight. • Coleus: The coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides, is another perennial that can have a variety of different leaf colors and striations. • Witch hazels: These are a genus in the family Hamamelidacea, which has four different species in North America. This shrub or small tree features arching branches with dense, multi-stemmed clumps. Witch hazel produces flowers in the late autumn when most other plants are sparse. • Bayberry: Myrica pensylvanica can grow in partial shade as a hedge or natural property divider. The leaves of this shrub are aromatic when crushed. The shrub will produce tiny, gray/white fruits in late summer. • English Ivy: Also known as Hedera helix, this trailing plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. It will spread easily and can become invasive. Those searching for shade-tolerant trees can choose among Sugar maple, Black alder, Flowering dogwood, and White spruce, among others. Shade-tolerant plants can make welcome additions to the landscape, offering greenery and color in the darker areas of a property.
Hunzicker Lighting Gallery Bring peace of mind, comfort home with whole system
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Hunzicker Lighting Gallery has once again received the 2018 Lutron 5-Star Showroom Award in the category of largest sales increase in home systems. Lutron, a leading manufacturer of energy-saving lighting and controls, recognizes showrooms that provide an immersive experience to see, feel and touch innovative Lutron products. If you are looking for a unique opportunity to increase your awareness of connected home lighting and shade control, then come see us! Control a single room or multiple rooms in a smaller home and condo with Lutron’s Caseta or, if you like to think big, consider Lutron’s RA2 Select a whole home system, ideal
for any home and any budget. Both systems bring peace of mind and comfort to your home. Always come back to a well illuminated home. Easily control your devices with touch or voice. Make your home look like you’re home, even when you’re not. Connect to a scene based on your personal preference and control it from the comfort of your couch. Hunzicker Lighting Gallery, in North Oklahoma City, has over 6,000 square feet of showroom space displaying a distinct collection of lighting products for the home. If you are building a new home, remodeling an existing one, or
bringing back the allure to an old space, step into one of our featured rooms to view how lighting and controls can create an environment complimentary to your specific activity. Our exciting assortment of modern, contemporary or traditional merchandise will surely beautify the interior or exterior of your home. Come discuss your future plans with one of our qualified sales professionals and let them be your guiding light to a well-lit home. Don’t forget to ask about Lutron. We are proud to be qualified as a Lutron experience destination throughout the U.S. and Canada.
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Sit, back and relax with a little help from Bachle’s
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Outdoor living spaces are increasingly becoming a norm for any home. Just like the indoor living area, homeowners are wanting a comfortable outdoor space to escape the pressures of life. A place to find comfort and relaxation. With our newly expanded showroom at Bachle’s Fireplace Furnishings, we can help you achieve that Zen feeling and make your house (both indoor and outdoor) a home. Our Stoll products will give you that custom and unique feel
everyone is looking for, as well as make your neighbors and guests envious. From metal walls and shelves to indoor/outdoor metal cabinet doors, drawer fronts and backsplashes you can create a unique look that has become popular in larger cities and the most elite homes. The Peak Season, Inspired Visions Collection, will provide you with comfortable, stylish, durable outdoor furniture and accessories that will showcase your unique style and luxu-
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rious surroundings. Deep seating cushions and accessory pillows will guarantee comfort for visiting with friends or just chillin with a good book. Sunbrella fabrics will allow you to showcase your personality with colorful patterns, bold hues, and durable materials that can withstand the elements. Get the absolute most from your outdoor space so you can enjoy it throughout the season. Add a fire feature for a more cozy atmosphere or a water feature to relieve the stress of the day.
We also carry modern stainless steel as well as custom metal pieces to compliment any style home. From contemporary chimineas to metal mesh curtains for the patio. Let your imagination run wild! Then let us create that special piece. Stop by and take a load off in one of our relaxing showrooms. Get ideas for both your home and outdoor living space with our home décor, outdoor canvas art and many more products to set just the right mood.
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Water features, such as ponds or waterfalls, can add a special touch to the landscape.
Water features take landscapes to new levels
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Many homeowners aspire to make their homes appear as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Exterior renovations may be high on homeowners' todo lists, and landscaping is oftentimes a key component of those projects.
• Soothing sound: Rain drops on a rooftop or waves lapping on a shoreline elicit feelings of harmony and relaxation. Water features can bring that gentle sound close to home, further enhancing the ambiance.
than fighting with the landscape, homeowners can adapt it. An area of the yard prone to soggy conditions or flooding can be transformed into a pond or waterfall to work with natural surroundings.
When planning gardens, homeowners may benefit by considering more than just flowers and shrubs while giving thought to other elements that can breathe vitality into their landscape designs. Water features can do just that, as such features provide more than just visual appeal.
• Brings texture: Water has its own unique and fluid texture that can provide stark contrast to blades of grass or the hard lines of architectural elements, such as pergolas or retaining walls. A pond or fountain can soften lines.
• Foster a passion: Many people turn to water features so they can explore the hobby of nurturing an outdoor aquarium. Koi ponds are relatively easy to install and maintain, and the vibrant fish add visual appeal.
• Aesthetic appeal: Water elements stand out against the greenery and foliage and can be used to create focal points around the garden or yard. A single fountain can draw the eye, while a trickling stream or waterfall can deliver water to various spots in the landscape.
• Enhance the natural ecosystem: Water features can attract wildlife to a property. Birds may visit to take a quick sip, and dragonflies are sure to dart and hover over the shimmering ripples. Inviting natural wildlife to the yard can add hours of entertainment by enjoying the animals and insects. • Remedy problem areas: Rather
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• Add a personal touch: Water features are as unique as the homeowners who create them. To set landscaping apart from neighbors' homes, homeowners can add fountains, ponds or flowing water elements to their properties. Decorative water features also can be melded with pools and spas to help these manmade recreational areas seem like they were carved right out of the natural landscape.
Stephanie (Dr. Schmidt’s wife), Stella (daughter, 4), Dr. Schmidt, Theo (son, 5), Solomon (son, 8).
Dentist Reflects on 1,000 implants Dr. Lance Schmidt, founder of Reflections Dental Care, recently celebrated placing over 1,000 dental implants. Dr. Schmidt founded Reflections Dental Care in 2004 with his wife, Stephanie. He had just completed his AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry), a postdoctoral residency designed to enhance the skills of graduates. It’s not a continuation of training; it is an advanced supplement. From ADA.org, “Completion of an AEGD program can help to better prepare the dentist to evaluate patients' total oral health needs, [and] provide a full range of general dental care.”
Aside from spending time with family, placing dental implants is one of Dr. Schmidt’s favorite things. “And that’s not just things I do in dentistry,” according to Dr. Schmidt. He genuinely enjoys the process of planning and placing dental implants. A dental implant is the closest one can get to permanent dentistry. “An extraction is the only thing that is permanent,” quipped Dr. Schmidt. Even after 14 years of placing over a thousand implants, he’s still always pleasantly surprised at how little pain is reported back in the healing process. “That’s because we set the implant in a way that avoids pain,” said Dr. Schmidt. “And it is
also the way in which we get the longest lasting results.” Altogether, the process takes 30 weeks. This is because after each step in the journey, 12 weeks of healing must take place to ensure the end result is strong and as close to permanent as possible. “At the end of the day, it’s about changing lives,” said Dr. Schmidt. “I get to assist in the process of helping people get to eat what they want, go where they want, and smile whenever they feel like it, with confidence.” Read a more in-depth article on dental implants at reflectionsdentalcare.com/dental-implants-okc.
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