Oakhurst has been part of my family's history for over 20 years now
My family built a home on Springdale Court in 2004, and after a few years moved us within the sub to another home on Oakhurst Ridge Road. For context, this was long before any part of Middlesboro was built on and even before the park was built by the pool. With 3 young daughters, my parents wanted to raise us where we would have an opportunity to grow in community and sports. It wasn't long before we were picking out tennis rackets from the original shop by the pool, trying on suits for the swim team, and swinging golf clubs on the kids' league.
The neighborhood has changed in so many ways since first moving here! What sticks out most to me aside from the number of growing homes and no more empty lots is the swimming pool. Did you know that there used to be a large tiled oak leaf on the bottom of the shallow end which, for whatever reason, always seemed to scare me a little bit. You won't even find the original lounge chairs that were by the poolside. It's been that long ago! I'm not even sure if there are still swim banquets at the clubhouse, but those late nights of dancing, dinners, and rewards were some of the best!
Because I've had the joy of growing up in 2 different Oakhurst homes on both sides of the neighborhood, my fondest memories are hard to pinpoint where they took place because there are so many. Trick or treating on Halloween was always a blast. In fact, I remember Springdale Court was the first to come up with cul-de-sac parties! We decked out the center island with Halloween decorations like spider webs and scarecrows. There are still those 3 distinct pine trees we would climb up all the time! Now it seems like every cul-de-sac has parties throughout the year.
My childhood was definitely filled with outdoor activities. We'd have lemonade stands on the corner just like I see here now. We were climbers, rock finders, bikers and runners. We would jump around in groups from home to home, backyard to backyard, always discovering new ways to play and run around. The park by the pool was new when we first moved in. Middlesboro was a giant open field with no homes in sight. The exit-only gate wasn't always there and there was actually a "secret" third road to get into the neighborhood that is now someone's property. The bus stop was definitely not there for me when I was in school and come to think of it, neither were the speed bumps.
Looking back, one of my favorite aspects of the neighborhood today is probably the growth in our community. Change can be a good thing and though sometimes we can get irritated at traffic, parked cars, or some silly neighbor stories, we're all in one neighborhood together and we share so much more in common. I like to think our Stroll magazine helps connect us from one side of the neighborhood to the other. Growth means opportunity and Oakhurst is a great representation of that.
If you read Positively Oakhurst before this publication was renamed to Stroll Oakhurst, you may recall seeing a few pieces I wrote before called “Stemming from an Oak Leaf.” The idea behind this column was to recount memories from my childhood growing up in Oakhurst while being thankful of where that journey has brought me today. That was actually a couple of years ago.
After publishing a few books on Amazon and dabbling in journalism, my passion for publishing has grown and resurfaced in a new yet familiar way. So, where am I now? I moved out of my parents' home on Oakhurst Ridge and into my own home in Waterford about 12 minutes away. I’m so very blessed starting the new year after launching my very own Stroll publication for those who live in Lake Sherwood in Commerce Township.
What started as a dream to publish my own magazine and interact with local business owners is now a reality. But this gift from God did not come easily or overnight. In fact, To be honest, it took almost a year to make Stroll Lake Sherwood my new reality. As difficult as it was, the reward is beyond measure and I wouldn’t trade any part of my experience.
Since January of 2024, I’ve met with hundreds of local businesses, met dozens of Lake Sherwood residents, attended several ribbon cutting ceremonies, joined two chambers, and drank at least 400 cups of coffee. I look forward to many more! Imagine, work that makes a difference.
So, referring back to my old column, "Stemming from an Oak Leaf," I would say that we need to be counting our blessings and not forget where we live. If you have a pool in your backyard, a walk-out basement, live on the golf course, or whatever it may be. Nothing lasts forever and from my experience then and now, we need to be grateful and realize what we have, who is around us, and where we are now. I know I am!
Jessica
248-520-2402