ASHLAND — Ashland’s newest park is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Ashland City Council unanimously approved the $1,000 purchase of the 1.4-acre lot along 11th Street that used to be home to Lincoln Elementary School on Tuesday night.
Mayor Matt Miller did not have a timeline for the park’s construction. When asked about an estimated price, he could not comment because the city has yet to design it the facility.
The purchase agreement will now appear on an upcoming school board’s agenda. But Miller hopes the city begins generating interest from potential donors in the meantime.
“So naming rights are available?” said councilman Dan Lawson, smiling.
Miller chuckled before stating he hopes the park will adopt the former school’s moniker and be known simply as “Lincoln Park.”
“The reason is because the school preserved the … capstone from the school,” he said, adding he hopes the artifact could be incorporated into the design of the park.
“It does have a precious history for our residents — especially our older residents.”
Lincoln Elementary School, first built in 1911, closed after the 2012-2013 school year. The building was then demolished in October 2015.
The idea to transform the property into a park blossomed under former superintendent Doug Marrah’s leadership. However, the deal never bore fruit.
The idea emerged again in December, when Ashland City Schools Superintendent Steve Paramore spoke about the city’s intention to buy the property. He called the plan a “win-win” for the district and the city.
In jest, Ashland City Council President Steve Workman asked why the property didn’t sell for $1. The question drew some chuckles from the mayor and other council members.
“The schools do a lot — they work with us on economic development and other projects. So I don’t think it’s too much to ask for $1,000 to cover the cost of all the paperwork and so on that go with the transaction,” Miller said.