The City of Oshawa is known for its civic pride which is reflected in a series of downtown wall murals that depict Oshawa’s illustrious history. In 1999, Oshawa was awarded top prize in the national Communities in Bloom Festival, for the beautification of its revitalized downtown core.Oshawa’s other primary attributes include a premiere hospital in Lakeridge Health Oshawa, excellent schools, convenient transportation corridors, and an abundance of parkland and recreation facilities. Oshawa boasts two massive waterfront parks: Lakefront Park West and Lakeview Park that feature many scenic picnic areas and an abundance of recreational amenities.