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By KLINT LOWRY

The Suncoast News

Published: July 12, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Geographically speaking, Oelsner Park couldn't be described as prominent. Located on the north bank of Miller's Bayou, it's tucked away in a neighborhood historically known as Martha's Vineyard.

It's about the same size as the residential lots that surround it, jutting out into the bayou, with the hint of a beach.

But the little park has been around for more than 50 years, and it's a special place for many residents.

That fondness was apparent in the size of the crowd that showed up Thursday of last week for Oelsner Park's reopening.

"It's a good little park for the residents of the neighborhood," said Kim Licari, grants administrator for the city.

The park was closed in November so city workers could complete a number of renovations courtesy of a $50,000 grant from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, along with a contribution from the city's Community Development Agency.

Oelsner Park is named for Martha Oelsner, one-time owner of the property that Victor Clark Jr. developed into Martha's Vineyard in the early 1950s. One parcel was donated to the city to be turned into a park in Oelsner's honor.

Residents could hardly wait for the recent ribbon cutting so they could check out all the improvements, which included a new sea wall, remodeled restrooms with new tile and fixtures, new landscaping and irrigation, a freshly paved and striped parking lot, sidewalks and picnic tables.

Children rushed to break in several new pieces of playground equipment, while seniors found comfort in the shade of the park's two new gazebos, one of which has a bench swing from which visitors can relax and look out over the bayou.

"The park is a favorite area for swimming," former Mayor Mark Abbott said. "It's the only place you can still water ski. Dolphins, manatee, everything comes right in here."

Neighbors near the park were among the most excited at the reopening, especially Ron Bixler, who lives across the street from the entrance.

"I come over here and watch the sunset," he said. "I love this little place. I'm just so pleased with what they've done here."

And the renovations aren't over yet, said Mayor Richard Rober. Near the gazebo with the swing is a thin remnant of beach, which the city is planning to rejuvenate.

"Right now we're working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection under the Florida Beach Management Program to rehab the beach area," Rober said. "We can't just take that upon ourselves to do without a little extra permission."