ASHLAND, Ore. (Nov. 21, 2025) — The Ashland Parks and Recreation Department (APRD) is delaying the opening of the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink in Lithia Park due to a permitting issue.
Historically, the rink’s canopy has been raised each winter and lowered in spring, classifying it as a “temporary structure” under state building code. This year, APRD opted to keep the structure up year-round to save costs and extend the life of the fabric cover. The canopy remained in place under a temporary permit, which has now expired after reaching the maximum allowable duration under state code.
APRD has been working with the canopy manufacturer to secure a permanent structural permit for year-round use. However, recent staffing changes at the manufacturer have delayed the permitting process, preventing the rink from opening as planned on Friday, Nov. 21. An updated opening date has not yet been announced.
The department is collaborating with local structural engineers to finalize a revised engineering certificate and complete the required paperwork for the building permit. APRD said it is prioritizing the effort to ensure the canopy meets all applicable state building code requirements for permanent use.
“We want to ensure the residents of Ashland that we are working diligently to resolve this as soon as possible,” said Parks and Recreation Director Rocky Houston. “We know how beloved the outdoor ice rink is in our community, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through these final steps. Ensuring public safety by ensuring the structure meets current building code is our highest priority. We look forward to welcoming the public soon and kicking off another great season.”
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
