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The Parks & Recreation Department provides many opportunities for recreational activities for the family.· The Park System consists of the following parks:· Central Park, Southside Park, Riverfront Park, Oliverio Park, Linear Park, Dawson Park and Municipal Pool, Spring Park, and ‘New’ Park.· The Parks & Recreation Department operates the Ashland Park System for the City Commission.· A Park Board and Tree Board, consisting of interested volunteers, advise the City on park operations.· Appointment to either board is by the Mayor with Commission confirmation.· All parks are open from 7:00 A.M. until 11:00 P.M. daily.

The Parks & Recreation Department performs maintenance for all park activities. The Maintenance Supervisor may be reached by calling 327-2042.· The normal hours of operation are 7:00 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. Monday through Friday with a maintenance worker on Saturday and Sunday to handle weekend activities or emergencies.

The Parks & Recreation Department handles scheduling for all park activities.· The Parks & Recreation Director’s office is located in the Round House on the 22nd street end of Central Park.· The phone number is 606-327-2046.· The normal hours of operation are 8:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. ·A maintenance worker is on duty each day from 3:30 P.M. until 12:00 P.M. to patrol the parks and to handle any emergencies.The Round House Activity Room and the Log House may be rented for special events and weddings may be scheduled in the park.

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City of Ashland Annual Parks and Recreation Programs/Participation:

Easter Egg Hunt –  Every Saturday before Easter the City organizes an event at Central Park at no cost to the public that includes Easter eggs and prizes.

Memorial Day Concert – Held at Central Park Bandstand, Big Band Music, 6-8pm at no cost to the public.

Donkey Derby – Donkey races with volunteer jockeys held the second Saturday in May at Central Park at no cost to the public.  Qualifying heats determine finalists for a 1 race playoff to determine champion.  Includes a Band, Bugler, and Tackiest Hat contest. Canned food donations given to local charities, approximately 300lbs of food donated annually. No cost to public.

Adult Baseball League – Regular season games begin in May with Sunday games. Ten to Twelve regular game season.  Games will be played at Central Park and Shultz Creek.

Ashland City Pool -Dawson Park –  Admission is $2.00 for children and $3.00 for adults. Includes: 2 playgrounds, concessions, lifeguards, cashier, and maintenance.

National Night Out – The first Tuesday in August, an Ashland Police Department sponsored event held at Central Park, Bandstand with concessions.

Booker T. Washington Festival – Held Labor Day Weekend at Ashland City Pool - Dawson Park, City sponsors $1000 annually towards: entertainment, beauty pageant trophies, refreshments, and portable playgrounds.  Lifeguards, tents, chairs, and tables provided by City.  No cost to public.

Labor Day Concert – Held at Central Park Bandstand, Big Band Music, 6-8pm, no cost to the public.

Summer Motion – Held in July, Legion Baseball Tournament at Central Park, labor and maintenance service provided to public. 5-day tournament.

Poage Landing Days – Third weekend in September, department assistance in construction and maintenance of festival during 3-day event. 5K run at Central Park, sponsored by YMCA and KDMC.

Trick or Treat at Central Park – October, held at Tennis Courts, no cost to public, canned food donations accepted, 6-8pm.  Festival, games, and candy for children. Central Park partner with KDMC for this event.

Winter Wonderland of Lights – November thru January, Parks & Recreation Departments maintenance sets-up over 50 displays, at Central Park, and downtown totaling over 800,000 lights at no cost to the public.

Ice Skating Rink – November thru February.  Admission $2.00 / Skate Rental $1.00.

New Year’s Eve Celebration – December 31st, entertainment, refreshments and Disc Jockey provided.  Dropping of the New Years Ball, at Midnight on Judd Plaza.  No cost to public.

Plant a Tree Program – Spring and Fall planting seasons, Tree Board oversees a donation program that costs $100 to participant to purchase an approved tree that may be planted in recognition or serve as a memorial for specific people or events.

Concessions – March thru October, at Central Park, AK Steel Sports Park, and Dawson Park.

Activity Room/Roundhouse –Year round scheduling, $25/hour, $100 damage deposit,  scheduling includes: Wedding Receptions/Baby Showers/Birthday Parties/Family Reunions/ Bridal Showers and meetings.

Log Cabin – Year round scheduling, $50.00/hour, $100 damage deposit.  Scheduling includes:  Weddings, Receptions, Baby Showers, Birthday parties, Family/Class Reunions, Bridal Showers and meetings.

Pond/Garden/Gazebo – Year round scheduling, $100 damage deposit, no cost to public, for Weddings/Receptions.

Central Park/AK Steel Sports Park – Parks & Recreations Department prepares lines and schedules City fields for the following at no cost: Various Ashland School soccer, baseball, and softball leagues; YMCA soccer, football, and T-Ball leagues; Russell Tennis, Ashland High School Tennis and Softball, Post 76 Legion Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball ( spring and fall), Adult Baseball League, and Junior Football Leagues.

Central Park Brick Donation Program is an opportunity for citizens to pay tribute to Central Park and those who dedicated time and resources to improve the quality of life and positively impact our community, including: businesses, coaches, players, families and many more.