Avenue of the Oaks

Names reveal much about a place. The recent honorary co-naming of SE 8th Ave. as “Avenue of the Oaks”, is a wonderful partnership between the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society and City of Oak Harbor that recognizes a stunning avenue with some of the Garry oak features that define our City’s name and sense of place.

This honorary designation by the Oak Harbor City Council is recognized with street sign toppers along the way that provide context for visitors and residents. The Avenue of the Oaks runs the entire length of SE 8th Ave in Oak Harbor, WA from State Route 20 on the west side all the way to Regatta Drive on the east side. The Society custom designed and raised funds to produce the sign toppers, and City of Oak Harbor crews installed the signs.

This route includes the old town section of Oak Harbor with the many grand oaks and historic plat names such as Shady Oaks and Oak Grove, as well as newer parts of town where the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society, City of Oak Harbor, and others have planted oaks. One day, these planted oaks will grow up to be as magnificent as many of the older trees along the avenue. Collectively, the designation is a celebration of the many grand old Garry oaks we have, and the bright future ahead for our City.

Our city’s name was coined in 1851 by Dr. Richard Lansdale after the many Garry oaks that lined the bay. Almost 170 years later, the beautiful Garry oak trees of our city are still key to our sense of place and cultural heritage. By recognizing, showcasing, and celebrating this amazing natural asset, we can continue to build our community pride and collective stewardship in what makes Oak Harbor unique, charming, and a great place to call home. No other community on Whidbey Island has anything like this!

These signs were conceptualized, designed, and donated by the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society as a gift to the City and Citizens of Oak Harbor, representing another beneficial partnership between the City and the Society. Special thanks to the City Council, City Staff, and those who provided us donations and supporting grant funding including Island Thrift and Oak Harbor Walmart.