Freedom park (formerly Harbor Heights)

Freedom Park was named by Students at Oak Harbor Elementary School as part of the Arbor Day Event held with the school. The winning nomination came from Mrs. Nuqui and Mrs. Sheperd's 1st Grade Class, and the educational nature trail was named "Slippery Squirrel Trail" as submitted by Mr. Woodard's 3rd Grade. City Council approved the winning name via Resolution at the June 4, 2024 City Council meeting.

Join us in congratulating these fun and smart Oak Harbor Elementary Eagles! 

Below are some updates on the upcoming development of Freedom Park:

The trail system and Disc Golf Course were planned out by Dynamic Design. Crews have done some preliminary prep work thinning access points into the very dense underbrush of the parkland. We’re currently starting the permitting phase of the project. 

The City of Oak Harbor’s Parks and Recreation Department with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is finalizing plans for the new trail system and two-disc golf courses on the unnamed City property formerly referred to as Harbor Heights.

Park Naming Process

The City held an Arbor Day event at Oak Harbor Elementary this year and had a naming competition with the students to name the park. This process included student submissions for names by classes, selection of the winning name, presentation, and approval of the winning name via Resolution at a City Council meeting.

Below are a few names submitted suggestions:

Little Eagle Park
Hot Wheels Park
Ebey Eagle Park
Sun Park
O.A.K. Harbor Park
Freedom Park
Go Eagle Park
The Big Bang
Evergreen Adventure Park
Eagle Oak Park
All-Start Park
Eagle NAVY Park
Slippery Squirrel Park
Oak Harbor Wonder Park
Eagle View Park
Garry Oak Park
Whidbey Wonderland

Schedule
- Spring 2024: Processing contract and completed plans for the trail system and disc golf courses.
-May/June 2024: Site visit of the property.
- Summer/Fall 2024: Installation
- January 2025 - The Parks and Recreation Department has met with renowned designer Eric McCabe, the City engineering team, and Development Services to go over the sight plans, trail design, access roads, trail heads, parking configurations, and permitting requirements.

Funding
Parks Plan Implementation ($300,448 REET 1/2, Park Impact Fees $55,000, General Fund $11,984)