February has already given Ohio a little taste of what is in store for spring. With temperatures hitting upwards of 65 degrees in Ashland, students and Ashland residents alike can be seen taking advantage of the nice weather both on and off campus. 

“On days that it is nice on campus I really enjoy being outside with some people and going to the intermural fields and throwing the lacrosse ball around or the Frisbee, or even playing flag football with a group of people. I always have a good time,” Ashland University student, Patrick Baeder said.

Taking advantage of the nice weather can be as simple as going outside and going on a walk, but there is much more to do in Ashland than meets the eye. AU’s Director of Campus Wellness, Deborah Sullivan explained that there is a lot more to Ashland than many students may realize.

“Just right within our area we have a walking trail right on our campus even, for a mile walking trail,” Sullivan said. “We have parks nearby, the closest being Freer Field that many people have found. There is a paved area but then back in the woods there is a number of other trails as well.” 

The Ashland County Park District offers a variety of places to enjoy the nice weather, with 16 different parks in the county alone. In those parks there are various activities to partake in, from bird watching to geocaching. According to the Ashland County Park District’s website, there are several caches within the county. 

Sullivan also mentioned how there is programming for Ashland to help get people outdoors. Let’s Walk Ashland is a movement, which encourages walking in general, whether it is in the parks or simply on neighborhood sidewalks. Let’s Walk Ashland encourages walking for physical, social, emotional, and many other reasons.   

For students and residents who are looking to go outdoors and enjoy the nice weather without having to walk a lot, Ashland also has many other facets to enjoy the nicer weather with a more relaxing twist to it. 

“I also recommend if students are interested in a more meditative kind of walk to head up to the Ashland high school and on the back part of the high school there is a meditation garden,” Sullivan said. “There’s some Buddhist areas, there’s a bell, there is a little pond, and there are a variety of things that are very calming.”

Sullivan also mentioned other calming areas, such as the garden at the seminary, which is used for prayer and relaxation, as well as taking a walk downtown and seeing all that it has to offer. 

For students looking to cover more distance without walking, cycling is an easy way to take advantage of the warmer temperatures. According to Director of Recreational Services, Janel Molnar, March 1 is when bikes become available to rent from the Rec Center. 

The city of Ashland and Ashland County as a whole consists of various bike paths that AU students and Ashland residents can take advantage of. 

“Please wear a helmet,” Molnar said, stressing the importance of safety when it came to activities such as bike riding.  

Molnar also mentioned how in addition to bikes, the Rec Center offers a variety of other things to do outside such as corn hole, Kan Jam, and other lawn-style games. The sand volleyball courts are usually set up after spring break, depending on the weather. 

The Rec Center no longer checks out camping equipment. The Rec Center does now offer extended hours throughout the week, increasing time flexibility for those looking to check out equipment. These changes include remaining open until midnight Monday through Thursday and Sunday and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.