Oakdale Park: The Heart of the Community

Name: Oakdale Park: The Heart of the Community
Start: 2026-06-06T09:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-06-06T10:45:00-05:00

June 6 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am

Registration opens May 1 by 9:00 am on http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org.

Discover the history of Salina’s beloved Oakdale Park, hugged on three sides by the Smoky Hill River. Explore how Salina made this bend in the river its community gathering spot, from horse racing to boating to the Smoky Hill River Festival. We’ll also touch on the adjacent South Park, a mostly forgotten park that once hosted schools, a pond, and a band shell. Learn how these parks played a vital role in Salina’s recreational and arts history. (Walk will take us around Oakdale Park.)

Details

Date: June 6
Time:
9:30 am - 10:45 am

river stories

“Salina exists for only one reason. The Smoky Hill River. Beginning with a ferry across the river, to a trading post, to water powered mills, to a growing city, the history of Salina is irrevocably tied to the river. Now, with it’s renewal, it will be the jewel in the crown of downtown redevelopment, a source of civic pride, and an economic asset for the entire community.”

Mike Mattson

“I envision a revitalized river where we can gather with friends and family, creating new memories – kayaking, fishing, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature. This project isn’t just about revitalizing a river; it’s about bringing life and joy to Salina, and I’m wholeheartedly behind it!”

Rafael Mendez - V.P. of Customer Culture, Blue Beacon, Inc.

“Living along the river in Downtown Salina has been a wonderful experience for my family. Getting up in the morning, watching the wildlife, and hearing the river flow when it rains makes us feel more connected to our environment. The river revitalization project will allow our community to strengthen and return to nature but also allow the wildlife that lives off of its resources to thrive.”

Elizabeth Ali-Schade - Director of Operations, Theatre Salina