COMING SOON: A New Accessible Playground in Clarksville’s Ashland Park

CLARKSVILLE, IN (May 6, 2024) – More exciting changes are coming along the Ohio River in Clarksville, Indiana! The Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department just announced that a new ADA Accessible Playground will soon be installed in Ashland Park.

The nearly $950,000 project is being paid for with the help of a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The funding is from the National Park Service and administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Nearly $300,000 will be spent on the installation of the new playground and the replacement of the existing mulch with new turf surfacing. The project will not only update the play area, but also make it more accessible for those with disabilities.

“With the installation of a new accessible playground in Ashland Park, inclusivity becomes the cornerstone of play as we continuously work to improve life along the beautiful Ohio River,” said BJ Nelson-Lynton, Superintendent of Clarksville Parks.

The previous play structure, which was removed in late April, cost around $10,000 and was purchased back in 1995. As for the rest of the funding, it will be used to partially reimburse the town for the purchase of the park land from Marathon Oil back in 2022. The town paid $350,000 for 18-acres that extends from the intersection of W. Market Street and Riverside Drive to the L & I Railroad Bridge.

Clarksville's Old Playground — Ashland Park’s previous playground was purchased in 1995.

The announcement of the new playground comes just months after the Town of Clarksville began construction on a revitalization project along Riverside Drive. The project includes an extension of the Ohio River Greenway, a new bike path, additional street parking, and better lighting.

“The town is fortunate to have the opportunity to provide such a great playground for the community,” said Tammi Gibson, Clarksville’s Economic Development Director. “The timing of this project could not be better as it complements the improvements on Riverside Drive and is in close proximity to the new development and activity being created in South Clarksville.”

Installation of the new playground is scheduled to begin in late May and is expected to take 4-6 weeks. A special ribbon cutting ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks.