Oak Park residents celebrated the 50th anniversary of Oak Park with a series of activities and community events Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016.

Since 1966, Oak Park has established its own school district comprising eight schools, a public library, a community center and additional programs.

To showcase the progress of Oak Park, the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District planned a free, one-day event featuring the parks, programs and opportunities in Oak Park. The event involved a 5k walk at Oak Canyon Community Park, a bike ride through Medea Creek and an old-fashioned family picnic.

The 50th anniversary marks a historic milestone for the Oak Park community and its schools.

“[The anniversary] represents a pride in the community,” Oak Park High School Principal Kevin Buchanan said.

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has held the task of developing programs to serve Oak Park community members.

“We have brought affordable and quality programs to community members and are well-versed in serving the public with recreational opportunities,” Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District supervisor Renee Peace said.

In past years, RSRPD has expanded its set of programs, emphasizing those that benefit families in the community.
“The after-school program, enrichment classes and opportunities to use space at the community center have added to successful opportunities for families,” Peace said.

Over the course of 50 years, Oak Park has grown from cattle ranches to a residential community with eight schools.

“I have lived in Oak Park for most of my life, so it is pretty cool to see the history of this place,” senior and event volunteer Austin Gilbert said. “It was cool to see what happened from 1966 to 2016.”

After recognizing its growth over the past 50 years, Oak Park community members now look toward creating a better future.

“Oak Park is a small community in which members have a voice and work together,” Peace said. “A community that shares public interest in school, park and play.”