Ashland City Provides Matching Finance for Two Major Community Projects

ASHLAND, Ore — Phase One of East Main Park in South Ashland and the rehabilitation of the Hunter Park tennis courts are two projects receiving $1.7 million in funding from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission (OPRC).

The OPRC calls for matching finance of at least 40% from the City of Ashland. However, the city is weighing in with a much larger contribution, allocating matching funds of $1 million for the establishment of the new East Main Park, and a further $580,000 for the tennis court rehabilitation program, expected to reach a total of $1.3 million.

New Park Will Also Cater to Four-Legged Friends

Phase One of East Main Park in South Ashland has received a total of $2 million for the creation of a skills course, bicycle track, restrooms, and a parking lot.

The second phase of East Main Park will include a playground, doggy park, and community garden.

Tennis Courts Will Undergo Resurfacing

Hunter Park tennis courts will be remodeled, resurfaced and repainted to bring them up to public safety standards. Federal funding amounts to $720,000 but, with further funds from the city, the total cost of the project is $1.3 million.

Large cracks have appeared on the tennis court surfaces, creating safety issues for the players says Rocky Houston, director of the Ashland Parks and Recreation Department.

The city of Ashland is helping to finance the two projects with funds derived from the Food and Beverage Tax.

The projects will be overseen by the Ashland Parks and Recreation Department and are earmarked for completion within a year.