- Oakland Recreation
No question one of the best in the county, possibly one of the best in the state, and a Business Week article from 2007 would say one of the best in the nation. The Oakland recreation program operates under the auspices of the volunteer Oakland Recreation Commission serving thousands through year round sports programs and summer day camp.
- Volunteers
The volunteers of Oakland are most evident in the Fire Department and Ambulance Corp . These are the first responders who live and work in Oakland and give freely their time and skill to help keep residents and neighbors safe. But the volunteers of Oakland are a part of everything, the government body, the recreation program, and the numerous charities and foundations based in Oakland.
- Trails
Whether for hiking or mountain biking, Oakland has some of northern NJ’s best trails. The mix offers a diversity of difficulty for the occasional user to those seeking more of a challenge.
- Van Allen House
The claim to fame is that George Washington slept here with a letter written by him noting his location. The Van Allen house also make history real for residents, especially children, with annual holiday events recreating the era, and regularly scheduled class trips.
- Ramapo River
Barring the occasional flood, having access to a river opens up additional outdoor activities to Oakland residents. It might be casting in a line for some fishing, taking a canoe out for a paddle, or just hanging out on the banks.
- Town Carnival
Undoubtedly one of the best carnivals around and always a highlight of the summer. Coordinated by the Public Events Committee, the annual event of games, rides, and food is a major source of revenue for the many non-profits serving in the borough. The multiple booths lining the parameter of the fair grounds is consistently a source of communal pride.
- People still live in the woods
Not many places in Bergen County have people living in the woods, but in the hills of Oakland a small handful of homes exist. It’s not uncommon for homeowners there to come across hikers looking for directions to the lake or the old castle.
- Best plowing in snow
Hands down, Oakland’s DPW does one of the best jobs in the county in keeping the roads cleared during snow storms. Hopefully this year they will not be put to the test repeatedly as has happened in the last couple of years.
- Senior Center
Oakland’s senior center is a community center that offers a variety of services, programs and classes to Oakland seniors. It provides avenues for social gatherings, and is often accessed in the off hours by municipal and non-profit groups for other community purposes.
- Oakland Communications Commission
Sometimes riveting, sometimes very boring, but always available on Channel 77 or Channel 45, the broadcasts provided by Oakland’s Communications Commission help give Oakland residents a peek into events and meetings they cannot always attend.
One of the best things I love about Oakland is the neighbors. People are warm, friendly, and genuinely care for each other and their neighborhoods. Calumet Avenue has a great block party every year or two that brings us all together for sharing fun, food, and stories. We all look out for each other where it’s someone who left their car lights on or a dog getting loose or help moving that piano. If I’m out working in my yard I can count on at least two or three neighbors stopping by to chat. It’s the people who make Oakland a great place to live.