Ashland Parks & Recreation Commissioners hold special meeting

By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news

The Ashland Rotary Centennial Rink needs substantive upgrades to continue operation and Lithia Park could soon see more accessible parking, according to the agenda for the Wednesday, May 1, Ashland Parks & Recreation special business meeting. 

The ice rink needs some intervention to continue and funding is not readily available, according to a memorandum written by Recreation Manager Lonny Flora and included with the meeting materials. 

“Without these upgrades, the Rink is at risk of failures that could result in a reduced level of service and/or closure,” Flora wrote. 

Potential upgrades to the decades-old Ashland winter tradition will be presented to commissioners who will also be asked to consider its long-term future, according to meeting materials. 

APRC Commissioners will also consider additional ADA parking on Winburn Way. Additional parking would need to be carefully considered alongside potential changes in traffic flow and the still-in-process Lithia Park Master plan, according to a memorandum written by Interim APRC Director Leslie Eldridge and included with the meeting materials. 

The master plan draft was completed in 2019 but approval was delayed by Commissioners to consider details such as pedestrian and bike connectivity. The draft remains unapproved. 

The APRC meeting begins at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 1, in the council chamber at 1175 E. Main St. The meeting can be attended in person or watched remotely through Channel 9 or Channels 180 and 181 (Charter Communications), or live streamed via rvtv.sou.edu (select RVTV Prime).

Public testimony will be accepted and can be delivered either via Zoom, in person, or as written comment. Written testimony will be accepted via email sent to nancy.mero@ashland.or.us. Include “Public Testimony.”

Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news.