NOW OPEN: Ashland Park's New Accessible Playground

CLARKSVILLE, IN (July 10, 2024) – Dozens of local kids waited eagerly as the Town of Clarksville cut the ribbon and officially opened the new Ashland Park playground. Close to $300,000 was spent on the installation of the new playground and the replacement of the existing mulch with new turf surfacing. The project was paid for with the help of a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The project not only updated the play area, but also made it more accessible for those with disabilities. The previous play structure, which was removed in late April, cost around $10,000 and was purchased back in 1995.

Kids playing in the playground — Kids enjoyed the playground following the ribbon-cutting.

For decades, Ashland Park was leased to the town from Marathon for just a dollar a year. Although the town maintained the park, it was hard to make significant investments without owning the property.

“Last year when the town was finally able to purchase Ashland Park from Marathon Corporation, this playground was the next big step in the continuation of something special happening along the riverfront,” said Ryan Ramsey, President of the Clarksville Town Council. “We finally had the green light and the ability to begin investing in this iconic park.”

Once the speeches were completed and the ribbon cut, Clarksville kids flooded the new playground to give it an official inspection. The Clarksville Parks Department was also on hand to play music, hand out candy, and provide a bubble necklace souvenir to mark the special day. The department also invited the Bubble Bug to help entertain the kiddos.

Just a few yards from the celebration were signs of the Town of Clarksville’s other investments into the riverfront area, including the floodwall widening project and the upgrades to Riverside Drive.

Kids pose with police officer. — All smiles while celebrating the new playground!

“The reimagination of Riverside drive is taking shape just steps away from where we are today; and just beyond the floodwall, what was once an industrial site is experiencing a rebirth with both people and businesses as we continue to build out a carefully planned downtown,” said Ramsey. “We are building an inclusive community, a Clarksville that works for everyone.”

Ramsey says the town isn’t quite finished with riverfront updates just yet. He says town leaders are also exploring the installation of a multipurpose structure to host concerts and other events, new restrooms, and additional art installations which will be unique to our community.