Parks Department preparing to repair damage caused by driving on grassy areas
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
A vandalism incident that left damage from large tire marks in Railroad and Lithia parks will cost thousands to repair and is part of a larger trend of vandalism in the city’s parks, according to Ashland Parks Superintendent Kevin Caldwell.
In a Friday morning email to Ashland.news, Caldwell said the incident on Jan. 10, “damaged lawns, shrubs, fences, and riparian areas in multiple locations in our park system.”
The perpetrator hit areas including Railroad Park and four locations in Lithia Park — near the Butler Perozzi Fountain, the swimming reservoir and areas near the Upper Duck Pond.
Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara confirmed Thursday morning a suspect has been arrested, Ashland resident James Chase Robinson, 24. According to O’Meara, Robinson drove in and damaged Railroad Park and Lithia Park for which he was charged with hit and run, reckless driving and criminal mischief in the first degree.
“Unfortunately for our staff, residents and visitors of the city, vandalism in our parks continues to be an issue. … Our dedicated staff take great pride in the care they provide to these resources for the residents of Ashland and visitors from all over the world and these incidents are very concerning for all involved,” Caldwell said.
Repairs are estimated at $2,500 in materials and $2,500 in labor and equipment. Parks staff will complete the majority of the work, but an estimate is pending for the fencing at Railroad Park, he said.
Robinson was not listed in the Jackson County Jail roster Friday afternoon and the records related to his most recent arrest have not yet been made available. Court records show Robinson was charged in 2021 with taking, angling, hunting, or trapping in violation of wildlife law or rule. He pled no contest and paid a fine of $440. A citation provided with court records states the offense was the possession of a “non-adipose fin clipped-trout” at Cantrall Buckley County Park.
Ashland Parks & Recreation have been experiencing problems with costly vandalism for years, as previously reported by Ashland.news. In a Nov. 2024 director’s report from Parks Director Rocky Houston, he said the problem has persisted despite efforts to quell it.
Caldwell said recent vandalism incidents in parks include damage to the irrigation control systems and security systems in the Japanese Garden and Lithia Park with an estimated cost to repair of $8,000.
“This consistent vandalism has impacts to staff, budgets, residents, and our visitors. We are now locking our public restrooms every evening which has slowed the restroom vandalism, unfortunately this also limits the use of our facilities for the public and is a strain on our limited staff and resources,” he said.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news.
Jan. 18: Additional photo added.
