The City of Ashland’s Parks & Recreation Department is overseen by a five-member elected Park Commission. The mission of the Parks & Recreation Commission is to provide and promote recreational opportunities and to preserve and maintain public lands.

The Department also has 4 core goals. They are:

1. Provide a high quality, efficient service level.
2. Maintain and expand parks and recreational opportunities to meet the current and future needs of the community.
3. Provide a positive experience to park guests and recreation participants.
4. Provide opportunities for the community to participate in the decision making process concerning its parks and recreation system.

The Department oversees two areas, parks and recreation. The Department is the caretaker of 785 acres of parkland in Ashland and offers a variety recreational opportunities, as well as facility and park rentals.