Facilities

What to Do

• Learn More about Butler Perozzi Fountain Restoration
• Attend a free Guided Walk of Lithia Park
• Get the latest information on the Ashland Japanese Garden
• View the Lithia Park Master Plan
• Secure a Lithia Fire Pit Permit
• Swim at Reeder Reservoir or play in the creek by the playground! Check water quality; water is tested weekly from May 24th to September 25th. 

Details

In the hub of downtown sits Lithia Park, Ashland's crown jewel. Lithia is a 100-acre vista of emerald lawns, pickleball courts, a sand-pit volleyball court, the Swim Reservoir at the south end of the park, picnic areas, colorful landscaping, and a playground. 

The park follows Ashland Creek through undeveloped woodlands and also includes a Japanese garden, two duck ponds, groves of sycamore trees, and a number of secluded spots. 

Additional Information

You can contribute to the restoration of the fountain by making a donation to the Ashland Parks Foundation.

• Lithia Park Maps
  • General Overview (PDF)
  • Distance/Walking (PDF)
  • Hiking Trails (PDF)
  • Lithia Loop Trail (PDF)
• Want to see what other trails Ashland has to explore? Check out the Parks and Trails Page

Learn about facility rentals, including planning your wedding in Lithia Park!

The Japanese Garden in Lithia Park has been adopted by Richard Anderson and Alison Date. The upper part of Lithia Park has been adopted by Jovick Construction, and the middle part of Lithia Park has been adopted by WanderLodges and the lower part of Lithia Park has been adopted by the Neuman Hotel Group. 

All dogs, except for ADA-compliant service dogs, are not allowed in Lithia Park, and dog owners in Parks risk being fined $115. View our Lithia Park Dog Routes(around the park).

View information on ADA service animals.

View dog-friendly parks and areas in Ashland. 

History

In 1892, Lithia Park began as an 8-acre park and was the place where the Chautauqua Association would bring entertainment and culture to Southern Oregon. By the 20th century the Old Flour Mill at the front entrance to the park was torn down and in its place the lower duck pond and waterfall feeding it were constructed in 1910. The development of the park we know today began in 1914 when John McLaren a landscape architect, and designer of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park was hired. 

By 1916, as the park design by John McLaren had barely been completed, the supporters decided to dedicate the park as a celebration to the park and the city. The dedication was planned for the 1916 4th of July Holiday and took place over the next few days.

Through the years the park has seen devastation, as well as triumph. In 1974 a flood washed out a lot of the vegetation, requiring the park to be restored. The same thing happened again in 1997 which prompted the parks commission to approve restructuring and fortification to the bridges and Ashland Creek to help prevent future flooding. 

In 2013, two century-old landmarks in Lithia Park, The Enders Memorial Shelter Gazebo, and The Atkinsons Memorial Bridge were restored and celebrated. The Enders Memorial Shelter Gazebo is the only remaining gazebo of the 3 originals, and The Atkinsons Memorial Bridge built in 1912 spans Ashland Creek and leads into the Children's Playground area.

In 2014, Lithia Park was designated as one of the top ten Great American Spaces by the American Planning Association.

In 2016, 100 years after the parks original dedication, local author, John Enders, wrote a book titled, Lithia Park: The Heart and Soul of Ashland. John's book may be purchased locally at Bloomsbury Books, and the Paddington Station in Ashland.

The Love and Appreciation of Lithia Park has always been evident and continued plans for improvement and maintenance remain so that future generations can enjoy the wonder and beauty that is Lithia Park.

Read the Lithia Park book by Marjorie O'Harra (PDF)

Take a tour of historical Lithia Park.

Read the Lithia Park History story by Jennifer Marguilis (PDF) 

Read about the Repair and Seismic Stabilization of Enders Memorial Shelter (PDF)