The current Japanese style garden in Lithia Park was evaluated during the Lithia Park Master Plan Process. During design week in June 2018, it was determined that the garden could potentially be redesigned and even expanded without negatively affecting the adjoining park spaces.
Landscape designer Toru Tanaka was selected to lead the vision and design of a new authentic Japanese Garden. Tanaka was trained in Japan and was the Director of Portland’s Japanese Garden.
APRC staff and the Ashland Parks Foundations held two public information/workshops on August 1 and August 9, 2018, to engage the public about the Japanese Garden redesign. Feedback from the public meetings resulted in the following objectives:
Accessibility and Physical Area
Garden Design and Experience
Culture and Authenticity
The plan was approved by the Parks Commission in January 2019 and was subsequently put on hold by the donor. An amended plan was be presented to the Parks Commission at two public meetings in October 2019.
