Great Oaks Commons

This is a cool little park in a small historic neighborhood. It’s at 13^th and Park and shows up out of nowhere. There isn’t much to it but it’s nice and quiet and very scenic. There are several benches. This would be a good place for a picnic or just hanging out to read.

What a fun surprise to stumble upon on a walk! This quaint little park nestled on Park Ave amongst the cool and historic houses is truly a gem. Although very small, there are several benches and you just get a feel that you are somewhere magical. There is even a cute little bee «condo» that houses honeybees! This would be such a cute place for a small little wedding (not sure if that is an option here). I can’t wait to come back with a book and spend hours in this dreamy little place.

Does anyone else remember the movie Notting Hill? Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, a bookstore, and England? Okay, so maybe not everyone knows that movie, but there’s a scene where they’re walking around the city and stumble upon a hidden locked garden. This beautiful private oasis amid the city.
And that is what this place reminds me of.
It is this urban hideaway. A place to take a step back.
There is a gazebo. A fountain. A couple of archways. Multiple benches. Gaslights.
Truly wonderful.
I don’t know what else to say. It’s very well maintained and quite small, but that’s what makes it more magical. It feels like you stumbled into a wonderful secret garden.
Just make sure you keep the secret ;)

So the second stop on my little after work park tour, I found my accident. (Thanks Google maps). I just happened to be riding in Old Northside when I saw a swath of green nearby, so being the inquisitive engineering nerd that I am, I decided to investigate!
If you’re not looking for this place it is nestled in between two homes with the main entrance between 14^th and 15^th street on N. Park Ave. The sign facing Park Ave. says it all, «A Victorian walking park for contemplation and reflection». (I like contemplation, and reflection, but resting is really my specialty.) The Commons is open from dawn to dusk and leashed animals are permitted.
Upon entering it was like taking a step back in time. The walking paths are lit with gas lights and right in the center there is a Victorian fountain, flanked by a couple of benches directly across from it. There are multiple benches throughout, and plenty of gardens and neighborhood wildlife — It truly is a peaceful oasis.
Last but not least in the SE corner there is an old gingerbread gazebo and cottage house that would be perfect for having an outdoor lunch or shelter if your our walking the neighborhood and get caught in the rain. Don’t worry, this is not a trick to get other Unilocalers locked in an oven:)
Residents of Old Northside should be proud of this gem in the center of their neighborhood, and now you can too! Visit if you can, you will be glad you did!