Great Oak Commons

This park never gets old for us. We stroll through here a couple times a week since it's located just around the corner from our house in the Old Northside. From the little community library and changing flowers with the seasons to the sensory section of the park and fountain, it's a peaceful refuge in the heart of downtown. We like to sit on the bench and listen to the birds chirp.It's a very simple pocket park that is managed by the neighborhood foundation. Throughout the year, you'll find small events, neighborhood cleanups and engagement photo shoots taking place here. It's a perfect spot to take a book and read for awhile.

The park is located in a somewhat upscale neighborhood, the Old Northside Neighborhood. This is a very small park that is maintained by the neighborhood. It is decent and consists of a fountain, a sensory garden for the visually impaired and a gazebo. The walkway is mostly gravel around the park. Free street parking is available in the neighborhood that the park is in.The fountain was not operating while I was there, but it was full of pumpkins and looked very festive. There are benches around and just off of the fountain. The gazebo and decent sized and has seating. It is well maintained.The sensory garden sits in the back of the park and it is for the visually impaired. There is a nice bench back there too. The park is well maintained and sits between two houses. If you are not paying attention you could pass it.You will find some green space pockets at the park and there is a give a book, take a book kiosk in an old green newspaper dispenser. The park is home to special events, such as Plunder in the Park.This is a decent park for someone wanting to take a load off. It is not however, as peaceful as it is intended. There are many houses under renovation in the neighborhood and lots of construction nearby. On top of that, there was a lot of neighborhood dog barking going on while I was there. So, this park is not worth making a special trip for for definitely cool if you are in the area or live in the neighborhood.

I used to walk by this park all the time when I lived about a block south. It's a small community park maintained by the Old Northside Society. It's because of a fundraising event that I was there.. the ONS Society was raising money to help maintain this and two other parks in Old Northside.There has been several improvements since I was last here. First, the fence is gone, which really opens up the place and makes it more inviting. Flowers planted along the sidewalk seem to wave you in. Gone are some of the steps as well to enter the park on the north end.. it's now ADA compliant!If you're out for a walk, stop by the fountain and sit a spell on the benches. It'll help relax you and the shade will keep you cool!

This is such a sweet little park! It looks like a secret, community garden. There's a small gazebo, bench, and some green space. This is a romantic picnic spot, or a fun spot to stumble upon during a walk. I came here for a friend's garden party. We all BYOB'ed and it was a sweet evening!

If you are an adult, this neighborhood park may be more appealing than the Shawn Grove Park. This park has no playground, just a central fountain and mature trees. There are several areas that separated by shrubs and distance so that even if someone else is there while you are, you can still relax on one of the benches or in the gazebo.There is a special section designated for sensory appreciation for visually impaired visitors. Unfortunately, the sign is written in English only and could have added braille. I guess they figured someone without eyesight would need to bring them here at least the first time. The park does have a water fountain but no restroom facilities and no designated parking. Street parking is free but dependent upon the time of day and occasion for how accessible it can be.Review #514

I ran across this place on a walk with a friend. I go here from time to time when you want to get away from the city but you're still in it. It is relaxing and usually I'm the only one there. I enjoy sitting and reading on a nice day. It is very well kept, just make sure you wear bug spray in the summer! It is a hidden gem in the Old Northside.

What a sweet little urban park. We were able to find street parking close by on a weekday morning. There are several benches and a nice little walking path. The fountain in the center is great, and the trees are beautiful. After our stop at the park, we enjoyed a nice stroll around the neighborhood to check out the historic homes. All in all, a little park well worth checking out, especially if you appreciate shade!

So the second stop on my little after work park tour, I found my accident. (Thanks Google maps). I just happened to be riding in Old Northside when I saw a swath of green nearby, so being the inquisitive engineering nerd that I am, I decided to investigate!If you're not looking for this place it is nestled in between two homes with the main entrance between 14th and 15th street on N. Park Ave. The sign facing Park Ave. says it all, "A Victorian walking park for contemplation and reflection". (I like contemplation, and reflection, but resting is really my specialty.) The Commons is open from dawn to dusk and leashed animals are permitted. Upon entering it was like taking a step back in time. The walking paths are lit with gas lights and right in the center there is a Victorian fountain, flanked by a couple of benches directly across from it. There are multiple benches throughout, and plenty of gardens and neighborhood wildlife - It truly is a peaceful oasis.Last but not least in the SE corner there is an old gingerbread gazebo and cottage house that would be perfect for having an outdoor lunch or shelter if your our walking the neighborhood and get caught in the rain. Don't worry, this is not a trick to get other yelpers locked in an oven:)Residents of Old Northside should be proud of this gem in the center of their neighborhood, and now you can too! Visit if you can, you will be glad you did!

Tiny and tranquil Victorian garden. Someone does a nice job with upkeep. Nice place to sit by the fountain and look and listen to nature.

Does anyone else remember the movie Notting Hill? Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, a bookstore, and England? Okay, so maybe not everyone knows that movie, but there's a scene where they're walking around the city and stumble upon a hidden locked garden. This beautiful private oasis amid the city.And that is what this place reminds me of.It is this urban hideaway. A place to take a step back.There is a gazebo. A fountain. A couple of archways. Multiple benches. Gaslights.Truly wonderful.I don't know what else to say. It's very well maintained and quite small, but that's what makes it more magical. It feels like you stumbled into a wonderful secret garden.Just make sure you keep the secret ;)