Ashland Oredock Phase I: Diamond Access

Let’s get all the way out to the end of the Oredock!

The renovated 1900’ long and 66’ wide base of the Ashland Oredock is envisioned to be the shining jewel of the City’s recreational areas along the waterfront.  Currently, only the first 900' of the dock is open to the public.  We are raising funds to give the public access to the entire dock, along the area currently known as "The Diamonds".  These 71 Diamonds are found in the second half of the dock, and are openings that were constructed to help support the weight of the massive dock, by allowing areas for the force of waves to be released.

Because of it's size, the development and beautification of the Oredock will be completed in several phases.  The Community has told us that having access to the entire length of the Oredock is the most important first step that we can take in the redevelopment process.  The cost to get the public out to end of the dock is approximately $2 Million.  The Ashland Oredock Charitable Trust (a fund created when the super structure on top of the base came down) will match up to $1 Million to get this important phase completed! We're asking the community to help us with $250,000 through this online page, while we work hard to secure the other $750,000 through other funding sources.

The City will continue to move forward with realizing the vision that the community has created for the reuse of our beloved Oredock, and will be applying for grants to leverage the funding that we receive from the community and from the Oredock Trust.

The City has been working with Smithgroup, JJR (a consulting, architectural, and engineering firm), to help turn our community's ideas for the dock into a vision and reality.  Grants will be used to leverage Trust funds and community donations to reach our goal of opening up the entire dock to the public.

Based on the scale and size of this phase, it is expected to take approximately two years to provide full access to the dock, completing the walkway past the 71 Diamonds.

Projected Timeline:

Spring/Summer 2018: Apply for Additional Grant Funding

Spring/Summer 2018: Community Fundraising

March 2018: Final Construction Documents Completed

April/May 2018: Put Out Bid for Construction

Late Summer 2018: Begin Construction of walkway

The story of the Ashland Oredock is over 100 years old, and the Dock has been a place of strong community identity since its construction. The Oredock provides relevancy to our community and a link between Ashland’s past and future.  There are tales of jumping from the top of the Oredock and fishing the diamonds that are part of our rich history.  These traditions and rites of passage remain in the hearts and minds of many who have deeply seeded roots in the area.  For others, they are folklore to be told and heard.  The Oredock remains part of what defines “home” for those from the area and is a source of fascination and a destination for newcomers.  Having full access to the Oredock is important, to keep this rich history alive.