Walton Oaks Park

Walton Oaks Park is home to white oak trees, which were once among the most common tree types in the American Midwest region, but today is an uncommon sight. At 2.6 acre, it is a combination of trees as old as 250 years as well as many second generation younger oaks. It was made into a park to protect saplings which are ever threatened by dense undergrowth, blocking much needed moisture and sunlight.

The park was donated in 2008 by Ross and Melissa Walton in honor of their parents, Don and Ethel, who first moved to Whitewater in 1948 and farmed the surrounding land. Although Don and Ethel eventually left Whitewater, their son and grandsons Ray, Roger, Russel, and Ross continued to work the land and expand their holdings to include what would become the park in 1968.

Developed over a four-stage period, it features several of the 250+ year old white oak trees as well as a small bench bearing the names Don and Ethel Walton as well as the year of its dedication, 2008. It serves as a quiet place to sit and reflect upon what was once a common sight in Wisconsin--groves of white oaks. After being under the ownership of the Musgrove Family prior to 1968, then three generations of Waltons, and just under two years by a Madison-based land-developing company, the City of Whitewater graciously accepted custodianship of the park under then Forestry Superintendent, Chuck Nass, and then Director of Parks and Recreation, Matt Amundson.

City of Whitewater: Department of Parks and Recreation. "Volunteer and Sponsor Recognition".

City of Whitewater: Urban Forestry Commission. "Walton Oaks Park Development: Recommendations". 2006.

Henningfield, Julie. "Building a family tradition". The Whitewater Register. January 23, 2003.

The Whitewater Register. "New Park". August 11, 2008.

Walton, Ross. "The Dedication of the Walton Oaks Park". Brochure. August 2008