oak park history

Oak Park is the first public park built in Flint. It was established in 1911 on the north side near the former Buick City site.  The park originated on land that housed a "tent city".

Rapid industrial growth and massive hiring by Buick and other early auto companies brought thousands of new workers to Flint. Before becoming an official park, more than 1,000 workers and their families lived in canvas tents, shanties, and temporary shelters on the grounds during severe housing shortages. 

After the encampment cleared, the official park opened with features including a large pavilion for music and dancing, a grandstand, and a pagoda. 

  Over the decades, a thriving residential neighborhood grew around the park, and many families who migrated from the American South for manufacturing jobs settled in the area. 

The Oak Park neighborhood runs from Hamilton St. to Leith St. and from Saginaw St. to Industrial St. This section of Flint will forever be known as OAK PARK!