The formal dedication of Lithia Park on July the 4th 1916 allowed Ashland to be known for more than its annual event of Chautaqua; it could now be known for its beauty too. The three day event unveiled some of Ashland’s newest features, such as the Lithia Park Auto Campground. It was one of the first such facilities to cater to travelers on the west coast. Nestled within the large trees of the park, travelers came from all over to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty while indulging themselves with some culture at the Chautaqua theatre.

Natural spring water, discovered a few miles east of Ashland, was being piped into town and bubbled out of the three new fountains in the park. This water has a high concentration of lithium and is said to have been used by the Native Americans to care for the sick and the elderly.

The park started with 8 acres of land in 1892 and the Chautaqua Association designated it for live entertainment that came to the area. Hundreds came to sit under the dome of the Chautaqua Tabernacle, which is now the site of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

In 1908, a group of women decided to take further steps to beautify the town of Ashland. They formed the Women’s Civic Improvement Club. A year later, the run down flour mill, which was located on the plaza at the entrance of the park since 1854, was torn down. Shortly after that 45 additional acres bordering Ashland Creek were acquired.

The development of the park into what we see today really began in 1914 with the hiring of landscape architect John McLaren. McLaren, who was well know for designing the San Francisco Golden Gate State Park, designed 19 acres just up from the Chautaqua Grove.

Today, Lithia Park is 93 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, duck ponds, trails, playgrounds and tennis courts. Visitors approaching the park will notice the towering Tree of Heaven, which stands by itself in between the statue of Abraham Lincoln and the Plaza. It is said that Abel Helman’s Chinese cook planted it, and probably dates back to 1860. In 1982, Lithia Park was added to the National Historic Registry.

Sources for this article include Ashland, the First 30 Years by Marjorie O'harra, The City of Ashland Comprehensive Plan, the National Historic Registry and Help4You.com.