On July 4, 2016, APRC joined Ashland Parks Foundation and the Ashland Chamber of Commerce to honor Lithia Park and its 100th Birthday at the Ashland 4th of July Celebration. The day kicked off with the 40th Annual APRC 4th of July Run, followed by the Chamber’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade. The 2016 parade theme was, “Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Lithia Park.” APRC was selected as the 2016 Parade Grand Marshal and four individuals filled this role:
Ashland Parks Foundation vice-chair Marge Bernard
APRC Director Michael A Black
Longtime Ashland resident and volunteer Tom Foster
Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission Chair Mike Gardiner
During post-parade festivities, APRC buried a time capsule near Enders Shelter in Lithia Park, with the contents to be revealed in 50 years—2066. The capsule measured ten inches in diameter and 14 inches in length.
