Residents urge city to keep Oak Forest Park wooded as council weighs decommissioning and development options

City officials presented four possible paths for Oak Forest Park on Monday, asking the Monroe City Council for guidance on whether to retain the seven‑acre property as parkland, reclassify it as surplus city property, divide and convey parcels to adjacent owners, or pursue residential redevelopment.

Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director Mark Cochran said the property, roughly bounded by Donnelly, Northridge and Fredericks Drive, was dedicated to the city under a 1985 development agreement “for use as a public recreation area.” Cochran told council the parcel has been largely unmanaged, is identified in the 2023 parks and recreation master plan as a candidate for decommissioning, and appears on the city’s 2024 residential housing strategy as a potential infill redevelopment site.

“The recent master plan recommended some city‑owned properties may be better served if they are decommissioned,” Cochran said. He showed a concept layout prepared with the city engineer that envisioned about 15…