Ashland Gears Up for a Summer of Celebration, Construction and Community Excitement
ASHLAND — From a massive Fourth of July celebration to new parks, major construction projects, building cleanups, public safety upgrades and even hints of a possible new chicken sandwich franchise, Mayor Matt Miller says Ashland is heading into an exciting stretch.
During this month’s video update with ACP News, Miller said the city is preparing for one of its biggest patriotic celebrations in years as Ashland gets ready to mark America’s 250th birthday.
The celebration will begin on July 4 at 10 a.m. with a downtown parade following the traditional Christmas parade route. The parade will be limited to 75 units, and Miller said churches, nonprofits, businesses and community groups are encouraged to participate.
“The only requirement is that you be in red, white and blue,” Miller said, noting the city wants patriotic colors to dominate the day.
At 2 p.m., the city plans to dedicate its new Freedom Monument and what will soon be known as Freedom Park in the Pump House District on Fourth Street. The monument will feature a massive 50,000-pound granite stone from South Dakota etched with the word “Freedom.” Behind it will stand six granite pillars representing the branches of the U.S. military.
Miller said the city hopes to have at least 250 veterans and active-duty service members from across Ashland County take part in the dedication ceremony. Veterans interested in participating are asked to register through the City of Ashland website with their name, contact information and military branch.
The day will wrap up at Freer Field, where activities are set to begin at 5 p.m. The evening will include two live bands, food trucks, giveaways, a community singing of “Happy Birthday” to America and what Miller described as the largest fireworks display Ashland County has ever had.
The Rotary Club of Ashland is helping bring the fireworks display to the community, while the Ashland Elks Club is sponsoring the overall celebration. The Ashland County Community Foundation is sponsoring the parade.
Miller also reminded residents that the Memorial Day parade is coming up Monday, coordinated by the American Legion. The parade is expected to begin at 10 a.m. and follow the traditional route from Union Street to the cemetery, where a brief program will be held.
Beyond the holiday celebrations, Miller said major development continues in the Pump House District, where buildings are rising and dirt is moving throughout the area. While the full project is not expected to be complete until 2027, Miller said crews are working to make sure the area around the Freedom Monument is ready for the July 4 dedication.
Downtown, another major update involves the former Frontier building, commonly known as the old telephone company building next to Huntington Bank. Miller said the building was recently acquired by Dr. Matthew Bernhard, who intends to restore it. The city also received a grant of more than $771,000 to address environmental and asbestos concerns in the building.
Miller said that grant is a major step forward because older buildings often carry major hidden costs before restoration work can even begin.
The mayor also addressed the long-vacant old Rite building, saying the property recently reverted back to the financial institution that held the mortgage. Miller said the building had an outstanding mortgage of roughly $3.1 million, which made it difficult to sell. The city is now trying to connect with the new ownership group, based out of Miami, with hopes of getting the building into the hands of a local investor, church, nonprofit or restaurant operator.
On Miller Street, the former Carter Lumber building also remains a priority. Miller said City Council recently moved forward with cleanup action after years of complaints about the site being a public nuisance and safety concern. Since then, the owner has contacted the city, and Miller said the legal process is moving forward.
“I’m confident that that will get cleaned up finally,” Miller said.
Another large project is the city’s planned public transit headquarters near the Council on Aging at Union and Third streets. Miller said a recent meeting was held between the city, ODOT, federal funding officials and Simonson Construction, the successful bidder on the project. Work could begin within the next couple of months.
The new transit facility is expected to be around 14,000 square feet and cost roughly $2.5 million. It will include office space and an indoor area for Ashland’s transit vehicles, which currently sit outside year-round.
On the north side of the city, Lincoln Park is also moving ahead on the former Lincoln Elementary School property off Troy Road. Miller said the city is receiving a grant of about $175,000 for new playground equipment. With help from the Rotary Club of Ashland, the park is also expected to include a dog park, pavilion, picnic tables and benches.
Miller said the finished project could become one of Ashland’s nicest parks.
City Council also recently approved moving forward with bids for a new multi-purpose pathway along U.S. Route 250 between U.S. 42 and I-71. The project will include an 11-foot paved pathway on the south side of U.S. 250 from Sugar Bush Drive to the area near the Gasis, along with a six-foot paved path on the north side running toward Taco Bell and Donna D’s.
The project is designed to improve safety in one of Ashland’s busiest retail corridors, where many pedestrians currently walk near traffic. Miller said the city received about $1.5 million in ODOT grant funding, with State Rep. Melanie Miller also helping secure about $175,000 from the state. He said the city does not expect to have any local cost in the project.
As for the question many residents have been asking whether a new restaurant may be coming to Ashland, Miller could not say much. But he did offer a hint.
“I think the one you’re probably talking about involves famous chicken sandwiches, and they may or may not be open on Sundays,” Miller said.
Miller said he has signed a confidentiality agreement and nothing is final, but conversations are continuing.
The Ashland City Fire Department is also preparing to unveil a new fire training facility near Station 2 along U.S. 42. The four-story black structure will allow firefighters to train for building searches, stairwells, balconies, enclosed spaces and live fire scenarios. Miller said the project was paid for almost entirely through grants, including support from the Samaritan Hospital Foundation and state funding secured with help from Rep. Melanie Miller.
The facility will be available not only to Ashland city firefighters, but also to county fire departments for training.
Miller also noted several family-friendly updates heading into Memorial Day weekend. The mini golf course is expected to open, with free rounds offered throughout the holiday weekend thanks to Don and Jean Myers. The city pool is also being prepared for the summer season.
And with the new Red Barn opening at Yoder’s, Miller said Ashland residents have even more to be excited about.
“What a beautiful building,” Miller said. “I love the cows.”
From fireworks and parades to parks, pathways, buildings and new business possibilities, Miller said Ashland is entering a season full of activity.
“This celebration for America’s birthday should be marvelous,” Miller said. “I hope people will want to show and share their love for America on America’s 250th birthday.”
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