As it struggles with the failure to open its ice rink, poor decisions (glyphosate) and financial crisis, the department should hold off on new projects

By Stef Seffinger

As a former City Council member and park commissioner, I am writing to express deep concerns about the direction of the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission. My concerns include:

• Mismanagement that led to failures in the permitting process, resulting in the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink not being able open for the 2025-26 season — a major disappointment to citizens and our business community. 
• Increased spraying of glyphosate, contrary to the former park and city policy aimed at reducing chemicals linked to cancer.
• The decision to expand park development at a time when APRC is in a documented financial crisis.

APRC is currently facing significant budget reductions. Staff positions have been cut or left unfilled, and existing employees are being asked to take on additional responsibilities, negatively impacting staff morale and effectiveness. Despite this reality, APRC continues to move forward with major capital expansions, most notably the planned East Main Park project.

Further desires include:

• A pool complex.
• The acquisition of additional forestland for recreation, including the Madrone Ridge project.

Key questions and concerns

1. Maintenance of new assets
How will APRC maintain new assets when current parks already struggle with reduced staffing? Park maintenance is labor-intensive, and expanding the system without restoring staff capacity risks degrading maintenance standards across the entire park system.

2. Impact on existing services
Will current services be cut to support expansion? Programs that support vulnerable residents — seniors, individuals with disabilities, youth, and low-income community members — are already facing constraints. Services at the Senior Center have already been reduced. Adding new facilities without sustainable long-term funding threatens these essential services.

• Example: The seasonal closure of the ice skating rink demonstrates a lack of attention to maintaining existing amenities.

3. Fiscal responsibility
Is it responsible to build new parks when APRC cannot fully fund the operations of the system it already manages? Capital projects may attract grant dollars, but ongoing operational costs fall directly on APRC’s already strained budget. Without transparent planning for long-term maintenance, the city risks creating unfunded liabilities.

4. Reliance on volunteers
Is APRC relying too heavily on volunteers to offset staff reductions? Ashland is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers. But volunteers cannot replace trained, professional staff — especially for safety-sensitive work and facility care. Organizing and monitoring volunteers can take a full-time position. 

Recommendations

At a time when fiscal stewardship should be paramount, APRC’s priorities do not appear aligned with the community’s needs or with responsible financial management. Before any expansion moves forward, APRC should clearly demonstrate:

• How ongoing maintenance and operations will be funded.
• How existing parks will remain adequately cared for.
• How essential services to vulnerable populations will be protected including recreational options for low income residents and seniors.

I urge the commission to pause new development until it restores staffing levels, stabilizes its operating budget and provides a transparent long-term plan for maintaining both current and proposed assets.

APRC is in a unique position under the current city charter with greater autonomy than other city departments. For years citizens have believed that this division is necessary to protect our park system from budget cuts that could occur for protection of other necessary city services, including police, fire and public works. Is this still working?

Stef Seffinger lives in Ashland, where she is a former city councilor and Parks & Recreation commissioner.

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