ASHLAND — It’s been more than a decade since anyone played on park equipment at the corner of Troy Road and West 11th Street.
Formerly the site of Lincoln Elementary School on Ashland’s north side, the building — constructed in 1911 — was closed in 2013 and razed two years later. The property’s playground and park were also removed in 2015.
Travelers passing by within the past few months may have noticed a high volume of activity around the 1.4-acre lot. A new park — Lincoln Park — is currently coming to life thanks to a partnership between the city and the Rotary Club of Ashland.
Recent updates from the club’s Facebook page have provided aerial views of the progress that’s been made in recent weeks, including the installation of playground equipment. The layout for the dog park has also been marked.
Below are drone videos showing progress at the future site of Lincoln Park. Credit: The Rotary Club of Ashland
Aug. 13 update
Aug. 3 update
The project, which was fueled by a $150,000 state award, will include a dog park, as well as a pavilion, benches and picnic tables and a basketball court — thanks to the public-private partnership between the city and Rotary Club.
The city purchased the property from Ashland City Schools about two years ago for $1,000 and decided to use its bi-annual Community Development Block Grant allocation to cover costs of the project. Fundraising efforts by the Rotary Club sparked the additional amenities.
Rotarian and Councilman Dennis Miller is leading the club’s fundraising campaign. According to the Rotary Club, about 75 percent of the club’s $81,000 fundraising goal has been committed thus far.
“It will be the most modern playground equipment we have in the city,” Mayor Matt Miller said in May.
“We’re glad to have the Rotary Club’s support and their help,” Miller said. “When this is done, this should be one of the most vibrant parks in the city.”
The mayor has previously said — pending any unforeseen delays — that Lincoln Park should be ready to welcome guests by the end of 2026.
