City of Ashland Annual Parks and Recreation Programs/Participation

Easter Egg Hunt – (April 3^rd, 2010 11:00am – 2:00pm @ Bandstand)  Every Saturday before Easter the City organizes an event at Central Park lasting 2 hours at no cost to the public that includes Easter eggs and prizes.

Memorial Day Concert – (May 31^st 2010) Held at Central Park Bandstand, Big Band Music, 6-8pm at no cost to the public.

Donkey Derby – (May 8^th 2010 11:00am held at 21^st Street) 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 River Cities Harvest, approximately 300lbs of food donated annually. No cost to public.

Adult Baseball League – Regular season begins May 23^rd, 2010 (Sunday games). Twelve (12) game regular season.  Games will be played at Central Park and Shultz Creek. 

Dawson Pool – (May 29^th thru September 6^th 2010).  Admission is $1.00 for children and $2.00 for adults. Includes: 2 playgrounds, concessions, lifeguards, cashier, and maintenance.  

Swimming Lessons – July thru August, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s, 7-8pm, ages 2-12, no cost to the public, lifeguards are instructors.

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 Dawson Pool, 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 – October 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, entertainment, and refreshments served at the Park Place, 1701 Central Ave.  Dropping of the New Years Ball, at Midnight on Judd Plaza.  Disc Jockey provided.  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 Pool.

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