Lithia Park

Lithia Park is Ashland’s signature downtown green space, a wooded urban park with shady walking paths, open lawns, a creek, and landscaped gardens set right at the edge of the city center. It’s a pleasant place to slow down between meals or sightseeing, with enough variety to appeal to casual strollers, families, and anyone looking for an easy nature break without leaving town. The park is especially appealing in spring and summer, when the plantings are lush and the creekside areas feel cool and peaceful.

History

Lithia Park was created on land associated with Ashland’s early municipal park efforts and was later shaped into the large, landscaped public park visitors know today. Its name comes from the lithia mineral springs that helped make Ashland a health-and-resort destination in the early 20th century, and the park has long been one of the city’s defining public spaces.

Expert notes

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; paths are easy in the main areas but can become uneven on side trails.
• Plan a little extra time if you want to combine the park with downtown Ashland, since they connect directly.
• Bring water on warm days, as shaded paths can still involve a fair amount of walking.