Lithia Park
Ashland, Oregon
Lithia Park is the largest park in Ashland, Oregon. It consists of ninety-three acres of forested canyon land around Ashland Creek. The park stretches from downtown towards the headwaters of Ashland Creek near Mt. Ashland. It's name comes from lithium oxide which is found in the stream water. By the way there is a fountain in downtown Ashland where the adventurous can taste the water which has a very distinctive flavor.
The park was the site of a flower mill, the first building in the city of Ashland. In 1908 an amendment to the city charter was made setting aside all city owned property bordering Ashland Creek for use as a park.
As a teenager my friends and I loved to go to the park to talk and listen to music. There were few people at the park then now it is a bustling area with an ice rink and playground for the children. Many people use the trail for scenic walks.
Situated above the park is world renowned Shakespearian Festival theaters. The largest of the buildings is the outdoor Elizabethan theater, then the Thomas theater and the Angus Bowmer theater. The Elizabethan theater was built in 1893 and expanded in 1905. In 1917 a new domed structure was built then fell into disrepair. Over time the theater has been used for various things including boxing matches.
The typical season consists of three plays in the outdoor Elizabethan stage, three in the Thomas theater and five in the Angus Bowmer theater.
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