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2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Trail cam spots two pups born to Rogue pack this spring ... Ashland Calendar, Thursday, Aug. 6 ... Our View: Watershed perspective ... Trail cam spots two pups born to Rogue pack this spring ... Ashland Calendar, Thursday, Aug. 6 ... Our View: Watershed perspective ... LOCAL TAKE Should boulevard median use artificial turf? Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Aug. 5, 2015 at 2:00 AM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Aug. 5, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Social News The two-year (so far) drought has been forcing Ashlanders into unprecedented cutbacks in water usage — and one strategy, proposed by the city of Ashland, is to find a way to reduce sprinkling of grassy areas, starting with the medians on Siskiyou Boulevard. Ashlanders like their grass, but have been cooperating in de-grassing with bark dust, vegetable beds and drought-tolerant plants. In the interest of de-grassing the long boulevard — and also getting rid of costly mowing and maintenance, the city has shifted one piece of median, in front of Omar’s, so residents can get the look and feel of it. The city has done a skillful rollout of the idea, noting that the tiny median of “syn-grass” will save the city up to $125 in water this summer. Other plusses, they note, are that it’s made of recycled plastic water bottles, has a backing of silica sand to cut odor and bacteria and drains water well. It may cost up to $10 a square foot (that adds up) but it lasts up to 25 years. The city isn’t married to the syn-grass idea, but is experimenting with drought-tolerant vegetation and grasses, too. They’re asking for public feedback to be emailed to [email protected]. We asked Ashlanders how they feel about artificial turf on the median strips. In general, they don’t seem too crazy about it. Elizabeth Hallett (the younger) — Real grass promotes a better balance in soil bacteria. I like the idea of how it helps with the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the middle of our city. Ann Haynes — I hate it. They’ve already done it at Omar’s. It’s ugly. It doesn’t look good at all. I’m not an ecologist but I think it’s better to have something that’s alive and growing, instead of plastic in the middle of town. It’s gross. Katja (no last name, declined photo) — It seems like a lot of work for a man-made material, installing it. There might be another option, like growing drought-resistant bushes. I’m familiar with the product and it costs a lot. Do we really want to be around something fake? Steven Kaucher — It’s a lousy idea. Real grass is better. Plants and flowers are even better. How about putting in a Persian rug and telling people they can come to Ashland and go on a magic carpet ride? Don Taber — It’s a bad idea because it’s now a feeding place for deer. It’s beautiful the way it is. It’s natural. We don’t need taxpayers paying for something that already exists. Let’s let it continue to exist. The grassy boulevard is one of the main features of Ashland. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Aug. 5, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501