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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Dispatch recording reveals details about Medford police pursuit that ended in fire and one death ... Medford police officer crashes while providing backup ... Gymnastics coach Bettman faces 25 years for recording girls undressing ... Dispatch recording reveals details about Medford police pursuit that ended in fire and one death ... Medford police officer crashes while providing backup ... Gymnastics coach Bettman faces 25 years for recording girls undressing ... HIKING DESTINATION Ashland to purchase Acid Rock Castles Popular citizen-created hiking destination affords panoramic view of Ashland Comment By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 9, 2016 at 5:45 PM By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 9, 2016 at 5:45 PM » Social News A popular citizen-created hiking destination known as Acid Rock Castles that provides a panoramic view of Ashland soon will belong to its residents. The rock outcroppings at the end of Hitt Road, past Strawberry Lane west of downtown, are currently on private property, but the Ashland City Council voted unanimously last week to purchase two lots totaling 46 acres to provide more access to city trails nearby. The Ashland Parks Department will purchase the property for $360,000, which is below market value, Parks Director Michael Black said. Both lots are owned by the Harshman Family Trust and Tri-W Group Limited Partnership out of Corvallis, Jackson County property records show. One is 18.5 acres assessed at $106,760; the other is 27.25 acres assessed at $143,730, for a total assessed value of $250,490. A report by Star Properties in Talent recommended a sale price between $385,000 and $410,000. The two lots will provide access to existing trails, including the Hitt Road, Birdsong and Hald Strawberry area, according to the parks department. “Aside from cultural and recreational access, public ownership will also afford the forestry division of Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission to work with the City to establish healthy forestry treatments on the property," according to a parks staff report. In other business, the council approved on second reading a fair housing ordinance prohibiting landlords from considering the age of possible tenants and how they receive income, including student loans and scholarships. Council members hope this will prevent students at Southern Oregon University from being discriminated against when trying to rent an apartment or house. The rental market's vacancy rate is below 2 percent, making it difficult for students to find a place to live. The ordinance will be in effect in time for students returning for fall term. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ @julieakins. By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 9, 2016 at 5:45 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... 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 MailTribune.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 Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked 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 2016 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. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501