The Oak Harbor Development Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, established in 2012, to implement the Village of Oak Harbor Downtown Revitalization Plan. Since that time, the Group has expanded its focus to encompass the entire Village. The Development Group has a vision for developing the Portage River waterfront, improvements at the Village Veterans Park, and a bicycle/pedestrian path from the Oak Harbor High School to the industrial park and fairgrounds east of the Village of Oak Harbor, outside village limits.
The Development Group had completed considerable research and determined the desired improvements indicated from surveys in the community and other
successful projects throughout the State. The Oak Harbor Development Group wanted to create a master plan to graphically illustrate their vision, develop estimates of probable cost, and create a brochure for potential donors and other interested stakeholders. The Development Group engaged the services of Poggemeyer Design Group, Inc. (PDG) to formalize the master plan document, create a brochure for fundraising, and assist with public outreach. Public and private funding is anticipated to implement the improvements identified in the master plan.
History of the Oak Harbor Development Group
Originally called the Oak Harbor Downtown Committee, it was formed by Lester Weatherwax and Valerie Winterfield in 2010 to better improve and utilize downtown Oak Harbor, seeking grants & donations to help fund these community projects. Original Members Included: Lester Weatherwax, Valerie Winterfield, Fred Conley, Len Gerber, Adam Snyder, Mike Stone, Chuck Stolz, Jeff Chio, & Jerry Christiansen
- 2010 - Completed community survey on Oak Harbor - Given to prospective/current business owners to determine the wants & needs of Oak Harborans
- 2011 - Held first Community Clean up day joined by 60+ volunteers to help clean downtown - Community Clean ups are planned for the spring each year
- 2011 - Initiated the downtown improvement loan fund, offering loans to building owners at 0%-2% interest to improve the façade of their buildings
- 2011 - Held the first Downtown Oak Harbor Farmers Markets in July of 2011
- 2012 - Committee disbanded in early 2012 due to lack of participation
- 2012 - Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce took over Farmers Markets in mid-2012
- 2012 - The Village of Oak Harbor paid for a 5 year revitalization plan under Mayor Fred Conley
- 2012 - Mayor Fred Conley reorganized the committee to help raise funds, raise awareness and help implement the outlined projects
- 2012 - The Oak Harbor Downtown Revitalization Implementation Committee was officially formed in late 2012 and began regular meetings
- 2013 - The downtown streetscape enhancement items were our first completed project - Over $28,000 was raised for these items
- 2013 - With the help of funding from the Village (monies set aside for downtown improvement) and Radiant Windows, the group spearheaded the purchase and installation of seasonal docks on the riverfront in the summer of 2013 and several jet ski events were coordinated.
- 2014 - A brochure and Facebook page was created
- 2014 - The group adopted the official name Oak Harbor Development Group and applied for 501 (c) 3 status with the help of McKean & McKean, as well as opened their own checking account started with donations from committee members
- 2015 - Raised over $2,000 to pay for the flowers in the downtown flower pots for the 2015 season, $500 of which was from the OCCF
- 2015 - increased the banner program from 22 to 34 banners
- 2015 - Officially recognized as a 501 (c) 3 on March 13, 2015
- 2015 - Helped to establish the Riverfront Overlay District which was ultimately approved by the zoning board and council in June 2015
- 2015 - OHDG took back over Farmers Markets
- 2017/2018 - The committee pursued on playground grants for Veterans Park, wayfinding signs, additional banners, Movie nights, riverfront development, funding the downtown flower program and funding silhouettes for all banner poles.
- 2025 - The Portage River Walk is currently in engineering
- 2025 - Friendship Park is currently in Engineering
- 2025 - The new Veterans Park Shelterhouse is currently being designed by an architect
- 2025 - Mural Program launched with the commission of Ottawa County's largest mural.
- 2025 - Following the Village Parks Survey the OHDG is working to coordinate various improvements
Current committee members include: Mike Shadoan, DJ Everett, Logan Segaard, Marilyn Sandwisch, Linda Amos, Jan Pugh, Sarah Beavers, Jerry Buhrow and Quinton Babcock.
