Due to significant loss of revenue in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and health precautions,​Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission (APRC) has made the difficult decision to layoff valued employees. A total of six APRC staff were laid off on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Three employees were from the Recreation Division and three were from the Parks Division.
 
APRC Director, Michael A. Black, and senior APRC staff carefully reviewed the current budget cycle for the 2019-2021 biennium and determined that there was no alternative. Prior to the layoffs, operational expenses were reduced, and many projects were delayed; however, these were not substantial enough to counter the current loss in revenue, compounded with the loss of revenue in the coming weeks.

“The future is uncertain for all of us and no one can say with certainty when the threat of COVID-19 will recede to the point where we can safely reopen our facilities and rec programs. We must continue to be careful stewards of public funds to sustain our parks and be ready to offer recreation, education and events when it is safe,” stated Black. “We care for all APRC employees and their families; no one is expendable. This was a very difficult decision.”

APRC will continue to provide services to the best of our ability throughout the pandemic and into the future. For information on APRC, visit AshlandParksandRec.org, call 541.488.5340 or email ParksInfo@ashland.or.us.