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CITY OF ASHLAND Historic walkway upgraded Improved access for disabled, heat mats to prevent icing and utility improvements all part of Chautauqua walkway project Comment By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 6:27 PM Updated Jun 28, 2016 at 3:08 PM By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 6:27 PM Updated Jun 28, 2016 at 3:08 PM » Social News The historic Chautauqua walk in Ashland leading from East Main Street to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has been completely renovated. The project began in the winter of 2015 and was completed last week. Karl Johnson, associate engineer, and Brad Barber, project manager of Ashland Public Works Department, received a historic preservation award from the city Historic Commission for the restoration of the walkway. They worked with contractor Ron Hobson of Ashland Construction and the Ashland Electric Department to complete the project. The Chautauqua movement is an important part of Ashland’s history. As documented in city records, the history of the historic walk goes like this: The Chautauqua movement began in 1874 in upstate New York with the purpose to stimulate spiritual growth, educational study and intellectual growth in an outdoor setting. Ashland assembled its first summer program in 1893. Now only the walls surrounding the Allen Elizabethan Theatre in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival are all that remain of the original structure. The Chautauqua walk remains and serves as a popular entrance from the downtown Plaza to the main theater area. “The restoration started with the electric department,” said Scott Fleury, engineering services manager. “They needed to improve the underground electrical structures beneath the walkway.” The electric department began their work underneath the walkway in late fall of 2015. The work lasted a few months before the public works department could begin their job, according to Fleury. Johnson and Barber worked with the State Historic Preservation Office on requirements of the new walkway. New concrete was poured once the electric department were finished. A sample of the original paving was saved to replicate the color. A new ramp compliant with guidelines ensuring access for the disabled was installed, as well as a storm water runoff system and concrete heat mats. Handrails on both sides of the walkway were installed. Previously there was only one handrail. OSF will also improve the landscape surrounding the walkway. “The walkway is mostly covered in shade during the winter,” said Fleury. “The heat mats will keep it from freezing.” The heat mats are set to sense a certain temperature before they begin warming. This will prevent the walkway from turning into a dangerous, slippery surface in the winter, according to Fleury. The overall cost of the project was $63,000. The electric company covered $22,500 and various street funds covered $40,500, according to Mike Morrison, public works superintendent. June 28: This story has been updated with information about project cost and funding. Contact Tidings intern Caitlin Fowlkes at [email protected]. By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 6:27 PM Updated Jun 28, 2016 at 3:08 PM » 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... 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