GP City Council Approves 90-Day Window to Explore Future of Park Caretaker's Cottage

The Grants Pass City Council has given the historic caretaker's cottage at Riverside Park a 90-day reprieve before it decides whether to demolish the building, remodel it or move it to another location. During its Monday workshop, the City Council voted 7-0 to table a decision on the Reed Building until at least mid-July. Council President Vanessa Ogier was absent. Community Development Director Brad Clark opened the discussion by reminding the Council that the caretaker's cottage was built in 1920 and that the Historical Buildings & Sites Commission (HBSC) made a motion last July to preserve the structure and designate it as a local landmark. The City Council toured the building last year and an open house was held there in October. In a citizen survey, 75% of the respondents wanted to save the structure that fronts East Park Street adjacent to the city parks maintenance yard. It's in need of extensive repairs that will be determined by a preservation expert. Clark mentioned that there may be some city funding available as well as some grant opportunities to help pay for rehabilitation of the Reed Building. Historical Buildings & Sites Commission Chair Ward Warren asked for the 90-day window for an expert to look at the structure and for the HBSC to explore possible public-private partnerships that could result in the building being used for concessions, other commercial uses or even a parks museum. ...Read more

Grants Pass School Board Takes Significant Steps in Strategic Planning Process for D7

More than 65 dedicated individuals -- including staff, parents and community members -- came together at Grants Pass High School last weekend to engage in a two-day strategic planning workshop. According to a District 7 press release, the group worked Friday and Saturday to evaluate the current state of Grants Pass public schools and develop a set of goals to drive future progress and success for the district. After enthusiastic collaboration and discussion, the group presented the Grants Pass School Board with five key goals they would like to be the focus of D7's efforts in the coming years. The goals are improve academic and social-emotional outcomes for all students; implement behavioral supports and interventions; focus on recruitment and retention of staff; enhance Career & Technical Education, dual enrollment, post-secondary and career connections; and strengthen community engagement and partnerships. These goals will serve as a roadmap for the district's future direction and will guide decision-making as GP schools strive to provide the best possible education for their students. District staff and the Board will continue refining and finalizing the strategic plan to ensure it aligns with policy and state law. The final five-year plan is expected to be approved in August. ...Read more

Mount Ashland Ends 60th Anniversary Season and Makes Plans for Summer Operations

The Mount Ashland Ski Area held its last day of skiing and snowboarding on Sunday, ending its 60th anniversary winter season at the local mountain resort. The ski area finished with 95,944 guest visits this past season despite a late opening in January due to limited snowfall. As of closing day, the resort had received a total of 215 inches of snow, rebounding nicely from the late start. Mount Ashland General Manager Andrew Gast said they are incredibly grateful to the community that came up to play in the snow this year. He said their youth programs were full, and their ski and snowboard school was busy. Season passes for the 2024-25 season remain on sale throughout the month of April. As usual, they're offering significant discounts and a five-month interest-free payment plan to give recreationists all summer to pay off their passes. For more information, visit "mtashland.com." Mount Ashland is looking ahead to summer operations and projects. Beginning on Father's Day, the ski area will open the lodge for meals and snacks every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is also a robust lineup of activities planned. ...Read more