Lithia Park is conveniently located at the heart of downtown Ashland, stretching over 93 acres of forest and home to beautiful Ashland Creek, and has been serving as a hub of entertainment and culture to Ashland’s local community since the early 1900’s.

The park offers tennis courts, a Japanese garden, two duck ponds, buildings for community events, and, in the winter time, a tented ice skating rink. During the warmer days, two level lawn areas provide an excellent location for playing frisbee or reading in the sun. Be sure to pay a visit to the historic water fountains and formal rose garden to experience a relaxing atmosphere. Picnic sites are also available throughout the park.

A suggestion – if you’re out with friends, try a light lunch at Hana Sushi, located conveniently at 29 North Main Street. Have the kids? Treat them to something special from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at 33 East Main Street, or pop into the Mix Sweet Shop at 57 North Main Street, all just minutes away from the park. Then head to Lithia Park’s large playground to let the kiddos run off all that extra energy, or make it a complete day of adventure and choose between the miles of family-friendly natural trails. Stroller-friendly paved paths are also available.

During the summer months, the Butler Band Shell offers a place to enjoy free local performances from bands such as the Ashland City Band, which holds concerts every Thursday evening at 7:30pm from late June to early August, or Ballet Rogue, which performs every Monday evening at 7:30pm throughout the month of July. Click here for a full schedule of 2010 events.

Tip: The Lithia Park Woodland Trail Guide to Trees and Shrubs can be purchased for $2 at the City of Ashland Parks and Recreation Department at 340 South Pioneer Street, or from the Ashland Chamber of Commerce at 110 East Main Street in the nearby Plaza area.