Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission (APRC) is developing a new Nature Play Area at North Mountain Park in Ashland. The design is in development, grant funding is in place and additional fundraising efforts are underway. We are seeking donations, sponsorships and community partnerships to fill a $32,000 gap and reach our goal of $258,000!
 
Nature playgrounds provide simple structures and natural materials to inspire imagination and promote healthy child development. APRC is inspired to create a space that is safe for families, where kids can play freely in nature, with little to no impact to the wildlife habitat at North Mountain Park. Highlights of the new Natural Play Area will include:

• Ground water pump and simulated stream channels that lead into a sand-play area
• Fort building area
• Craft table
• Willow dome and willow tunnel
• Log boardwalk through a wetland area
• Log balancing beams
• Cut stump path
• Boulder climber

 
How can you help:

• Make an individual monetary donation
• Sponsor the Nature Play Area by making a monetary donation
• Sponsor the Nature Play Area by offering your in-kind business service, such as labor, materials or expertise
• Volunteer as an individual or as part of a group

The final Nature Play Area will incorporate sponsor visibility through signs and plaques.
 
APRC would like to recognize and thank those who have already contributed to this community project.  The following donors are helping give the children of our community access to “free play in nature:”

• Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District
• Clouser Drilling
• Pacific Paving
• Ashland Forest Resiliency Partners
• Green Valley Pump
• Daniel Cooke
• Shooting Star Nursery
• Heather and Michael Stadnisky
• Soroptimists of Ashland
• Kiwanis Club
• Oregon Community Foundation
• Ashland Parks Foundation
• Oregon Parks and Recreation Department LGGP

 
For more information on this project and discover ways you can contribute monetarily, in-kind or by volunteering, visit ashland.or.us/NaturePlayArea.
 
The Nature Play Area is a priority of the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission. You may make a monetary donation online, or mail your donation to:
Ashland Parks Foundation
c/o North Mountain Park Nature Play Area
340 S Pioneer St
Ashland, OR 97520
The plan is to break ground on the park in the spring of 2019.
 
North Mountain Park is located at 620 N Mountain Ave in Ashland. For information on the North Mountain Park Nature Center visit NorthMountainPark.org. The North Mountain Park Nature Center is a division of APRC – AshlandParksandRec.org.