Oakland Park

Oakland Park is located in the Eastside neighborhood of Jacksonville and has been a City property since the 1880s. The residential community of Oakland emerged during the 1870s and was oriented toward working-class families. West of the park lies the Old City Cemetery established in 1852, and along the park's northern boundary, St. Joseph's Cemetery, which is a part of the Old City Cemetery. The park has historical significance as the first playground established by the City of Jacksonville for African-American children. The park opened on July 4, 1918, through the efforts of noted Jacksonville humanitarian, Eartha M.M. White (1876-1974), and for ten years was under the direction of pioneer recreational leader Florida C. Dwight (1886-1977).