(formerly Oakdale Park)
The land was purchased for this park by the Town of Preble for a public school or park, January 20, 1956. With consolidation in 1965, the City gained title to two lots (33 & 34) in the Oakdale Plat, which was used as a small picnic area. After several attempts, an area of about 5.1 acres at the rear of these two lots was turned over to the City by the Board of Education in lieu of paying accumulated assessments in 1970-71. For many years this property had been used by the Little League sponsored by the Northwest Kiwanis Club (Northside Preble Kiwanis). The Department maintains the area, but it is too small for neighborhood park development and close to other park areas.
1993 - The Northeast Kiwanis Baseball League was given permission to construct storage sheds at Danz and Oakdale ball diamonds.
1999 - The Park Committee and Common Council approved renaming the park to Joseph Gagnon, Jr. Park. Mr. Gagnon had been a member of the Town of Preble Park Board. In that capacity, he was instrumental in acquiring land and developing many parks in the Preble area. He was also involved with Little Leagues. Meeting minutes January 12, 1999 PRF file "Atkinson Park".