Editor’s Note: In the coming weeks, Ashland Source will highlight some of the few places that remain open to the public — the Ashland County Parks District’s 18 parks. So long as individuals maintain appropriate social distancing, people may enjoy the outdoors, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in his Sunday, March 22 press conference.
ASHLAND — Freer Field is likely the Ashland County Park District’s most popular park, according to director Stephanie Featheringill.Â
Freer Field, located at 1264 South Center St. in Ashland, is perhaps best known regionally as site of Ashland’s annual Balloonfest and other community events, but the 78-acre park also serves as a recreational destination year-round.Â
Freer Field features two miles of hiking trails. A one-mile, paved loop is ideal for bikes and strollers. The other one-mile trail is what Featheringill calls a natural trail, one that isn’t paved.Â
“There’s lots of wildlife to see, and tons of squirrels out there,” Featheringill said.Â
There’s a view of the park’s historic barn, and picnic tables and benches are also available to recline at this park.Â
Freer Field was donated to the Park District in 2008 by the Ashland County Commissioners.Â
Coming soonÂ
The Ashland County Park District plans to construct a shelter and public restrooms at Freer Field and had initially intended to complete the project by summer 2020. It’s unclear how that timeline will be implemented by COVID-19 related business closures.Â
Part of the building will be an enclosed reservable facility while the other part will be an open-air pavilion. The public restroom will be located directly in between.
The enclosed facility is planned to have a capacity of 50 people and should be able to be rented for social gatherings, family gatherings, park district educational programs, community group meetings, and more. The potential amenities could include a kitchenette with a refrigerator, a microwave, a sink, counterspace, tables and chairs, HVAC, Wi-Fi and a projection system.
Additionally, the ACPD obtained funding from ODOT to at least double the size of Freer Field’s current parking lot. The existing 14 space parking lot on Park Street would be expanded to have 28 spaces.
The buildings and restroom would likely increase the use of the park and create a need for additional parking, Featheringill explained.Â
She believes a second expansion may be needed in the future and could add another 28 spaces, for a total of 56.Â
