Oakford Park Nature Reserve
The original Oakford Park opened in 1896 as a trolley park where residents could enjoy picnicking, swimming and amusement park attractions. Although the park closed in 1938, the swimming pool remained open until the 1980s. The most visible remnants of the park, including the pool, were removed by 2003.
This property was donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) in 2022. WPC removed a remaining building and constructed the parking lot and accessible trail in 2024. Today, Oakford Park Nature Reserve is managed to conserve the forest and stream, enhance wildlife habitat, and as a place for the public to enjoy nature.
Location
- Penn Township, County
- Hempfield Township, County
Dates Acquired
2022
Size
Approximately 33 acres
Notable features
The trail meanders through a meadow and along the edge of a forest bordering Brush Creek.
Parking
Parking Available
Recreational Activities
- Hiking (Designated Trail)
- Hiking (Off-Trail)
- Hunting
- Universal Access / ADA Trail
- Wildlife Watching
- Birding
Plan Your Visit
GPS Coordinates:
Directions
The preserve entrance is near the intersection of SR 130 and Oakford Park Road, just east of the City of Jeanette. An access road leads from the entrance to a parking lot on the left.
Visitor Tips
The parking lot features two concrete-surfaced accessible spaces. The stone-surfaced trail is suitable for use by wheelchairs and certain electric-powered mobility devices. For more information, refer to WPC’s Trail Accessibility Guidelines (see sidebar).
Visitor Guidelines
When visiting Oakford Park Nature Reserve, please remember:
- Dogs must be leashed and all dog waste must be removed and properly disposed of off-site.
- Collecting artifacts without permission is prohibited.
- Hunting is not permitted on Sundays.
- If you carry it in, carry it out.
- Walking across the bridge and creek is permitted, but visitors must not trespass into the privately-owned inholding containing a residence. Please refer to the map of the preserve.