09/01/2026
💧 OXFORD LAKE PARK UPDATE - 9/1/26💧
We know there have been quite a few questions, and some speculation, about the lake being drained, so we wanted to share some information about what’s happening at Oxford Lake Park.
The lake is currently being drained as part of continued improvements to the lake and surrounding park, with work expected to continue for approximately 2–3 more weeks per our maintenance team. We will continue to provide updates as they are available.
⛲ WHAT’S BEING DONE?
• A new water pump station to support three new fountains
• Improved water filtration to support wildlife and the overall health of the lake
• Continued maintenance and cleanup throughout the area
• Related adjustments to the walking track as discussed on our previous post
🐟 WHAT ABOUT THE FISH?
Oxford Lake is spring-fed, meaning it has an underground connection to the spring that allows fish to travel through the spring. The lake being drained is part of the improvement process and does not mean the aquatic life has simply been left without an outlet.
🦆 WHAT ABOUT THE DUCKS?
We’ve received several questions about our feathered friends, too! Ducks are capable of finding and using other water sources when they need or want to, and they also continue to have access to—and can be seen actively enjoying—other waterways near/around Oxford Lake Park.
You may notice the ducks moving around the park or spending time in different areas while the work is underway. That’s normal, and we’ll continue to monitor the wildlife throughout the improvement process. 💚
🧹 CLEANUP IS UNDERWAY
As the water level has dropped, litter and debris that had been beneath the water have surfaced. Our Maintenance team will continue working to remove this material and clean up the area.
🚨 PLEASE HELP US KEEP EVERYONE SAFE
For your safety, please do not enter the lake for any reason. The drained lake area is an active work area and may contain unstable surfaces, debris, equipment, and other hazards.
Please also do not dump or leave trash in the drained portion of the lake. Our Maintenance team is actively working to clean up the area, and additional litter makes that process more difficult.
Please follow any posted signs, closures, public safety guidelines, and all laws while visiting the park.
🚶 TRACK UPDATE
Please see our previous post for information regarding the portion of the walking track that remains closed. The other portion of the track is still open and available for use. Please follow any posted signs, closures, public safety guidelines, and laws while visiting the park.
🔄 A NOTE ABOUT LAKE MAINTENANCE
While seeing the lake drained may be unusual to some, this is not the first time Oxford Lake has been drained for maintenance, and it will not be the last. Periodically lowering or draining a lake is an important part of maintaining its infrastructure, addressing improvements, managing debris, and supporting the long-term health of the lake.
🌼 POLLINATOR PALOOZA IS STILL ON! 🌼
Don’t forget—we are still excited to welcome everyone to Pollinator Palooza on Saturday, September 12, from 9 AM–1 PM at Oxford Lake Park! 🐝🦋🌻
The event will go on as planned, and we can’t wait to celebrate the incredible pollinators and wildlife that make our community special.
Depending on the progress of the improvement work, the lake may or may not still be partially drained on September 12. Either way, we encourage you to come out and enjoy the event!
There will still be plenty to see, do, learn, and enjoy, so please don’t let the lake improvements keep you away!
💚 A FINAL NOTE TO OUR COMMUNITY
We truly appreciate everyone’s interest in Oxford Lake Park and understand that seeing major changes can lead to questions. We simply ask that you please rely on information shared directly by the City of Oxford and Oxford Parks & Recreation rather than rumors or speculation circulating online.
We want our community to have accurate information, and we will continue to share updates as work progresses. If you have a question, please ask us! We’re happy to provide the information we have.
We know it can be difficult to see a familiar part of our park looking a little different during a project, but improvements take time, planning, work, and patience. These projects are being done with the long-term health, safety, beauty, and enjoyment of Oxford Lake Park in mind, and for the benefit of the community. 💧🌳
Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding while this work continues. We’re excited about what’s ahead and can’t wait for everyone to see the finished improvements! ⛲💚
