ASHLAND — The Ashland YMCA leadership team successfully met its goal to raise $1.5 million to restore a field that has served Ashland residents for over a century.
The organization celebrated that accomplishment on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting on the new Myers Field and outdoor sports complex.
“In 1922, this field back here was used by Ashland University and they played football back here. And then they built the field house for showers and lockers,” Riley said. “Then Ashland High School started using it for their band practices, their football, their baseball.”
Now, the 210- x 360-foot field will serve as a hub for youth NCAA regulation soccer games, flag football games and lacrosse games. But it will also serve adults through those sports, as well as ultimate frisbee.
The project also included installing a quarter-mile walking path around the field, a concession building with ADA-compliant restrooms, stadium lighting towers, a sound system, expanded parking and electric scoreboard.
“This is not just a field: it’s a gathering place;
it’s a training ground; it’s a community hub. It’s where children learn, thrive and grow,” Riley said.
”It’s where adults can stay active and seniors stay active with our walking path. It’s a place that a family can make memories for a lifetime.
Riley said the project was the result of continued growth in youth sports programming. Any given Saturday, she estimates there are 1,500 people coming to watch or play flag football.
“The kids deserve a nice field to play on,” Riley said.
Fundraising for the project started a year ago, and Riley said it was challenging because the YMCA completed a $4 million fundraising project in 2023, which included indoor renovations, a revamped parking lot and a new gymnastics gymnasium.Â
“While I’ve always liked the feel of the YMCA, it feels different,” Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said. “It feels like there is a positive, encouraging, uplifting spirit in the YMCA these days, and that doesn’t happen by accident.
“The spirit of a building is a result of the spirit of the people who built a building and the people who lead the building.”
Construction on the new outdoor complex began in January and wrapped up under four months.
“In Ashland, the community always comes through,” Riley said.
Ashland residents and Myers Field sponsors, including Gregg Orthodontics staff and Robert and Janet Archer, gather to celebrate the ribbon cutting at the Ashland YMCA. Photos by Taylor Henninger.