The Ashland Parks & Recreation Department is developing a new community park in south Ashland!
History
In 2018, the City of Ashland purchased 5.52 acres of open space off East Main Street in south Ashland and, in 2019, the Parks Commission set the goal to design and build a park that would offer a second dog park and a pump track/bike skills park. Between 2019 and 2023, the Ashland Parks & Recreation Department (APRD) developed a community-informed Master Plan for the site and, in 2021, the City purchased an additional 1-acre parcel to allow for a larger park. Today, APRD has completed both the land use approvals and construction drawings for the park, and are preparing to begin construction for Phase I.
Funding
The initial cost estimate for constructing the full park is roughly $5.5 million. To help pace funding needs, APRD is phasing the project. The first phase of development includes walking trails, a pump track, a parking lot, restrooms and necessary road improvements that include curb, gutter, sidewalk and street trees. The total estimated cost of Phase I is $3 million. APRD has budgeted $2.5 million – including a $1 million grant from the State – and is currently working with the Parks Commission to identify how to address the $500 thousand shortfall.
Community Engagement
APRD recently hosted a community Open House to seek public feedback on how to address the budget shortfall. Three potential approaches were presented:
- Reduce the scope of work of Phase I
- Revise the project so that the overall cost is less
- Identify additional funding
A total of 78 community members attended. Rather than choosing one of the proposed options, the majority voiced strong support for the project overall, with most favoring the completion of Phase I as originally planned.
Next Steps
The Parks Commission will review the latest cost estimates and community feedback at their Study Session on September 3, 2025, before making a final recommendation at their regular Business Meeting on September 10, 2025. Phase I is slated to break ground in 2026.
Schematic of full build out of East Main Park
Full Park Features (upon full build out):
- Dog park
- Trails
- Pump track and bike skills area
- Community garden
- Pedestrian access to Abbot Street and Brooks Lane
- Playground
- Nature play area
- Sport court
- Parking lot
- Restroom
What’s Included in Phase I?
- Dog park
- Trails
- Pump track
- Pedestrian access to Abbot Street
- Parking lot
- Restroom
Stay Connected
For more information and to stay informed on this project, visit ashlandoregon.gov/ParksCapitalProjects or email.
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