OLLI Presentation No. 5, Fall 2025 – Ashland Parks & Recreation

The City of Ashland Oregon's Parks and Recreation Department presented an overview of their operations, strategic planning, and community engagement efforts. Key topics included the management of 811 acres of parkland, recreational programs, and the challenges of maintaining facilities with limited staffing and budget constraints. The department is currently drafting a 10-year strategic plan (PROS Plan) to align goals with community needs and budget priorities. Significant projects discussed were the rehabilitation of Hunter Park Tennis Courts and the development of East Main Community Park, funded partly by a state grant focused on a pump track. Budget discussions highlighted the difficulty in increasing maintenance funding due to general fund limitations and competing city priorities, especially public safety. The department is transitioning to digital distribution of recreation guides to reduce costs, while seeking to maintain accessibility for seniors and others without digital access. Community input has been actively sought through surveys and focus groups to guide programming and capital improvements.