The Ashland Police Department is proud to announce the return of Ashland Public Safety Day for its second consecutive year. After the overwhelming success of last year's event, we are excited to once again bring together public safety agencies, local businesses, vendors, and community members for an afternoon focused on connection, education, and fun.

Ashland Public Safety Day is more than just an event - it is an opportunity for members of the community to interact directly with the police department, fire department, emergency responders, and local organizations in a welcoming and family-friendly environment. Our goal is to strengthen relationships, build trust, and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to keeping Ashland a safe and connected community.

This year's event will feature something for everyone, including local food trucks, face painting, balloon art, comfort dogs, K9 demonstrations, fire department demonstrations, public safety vehicles, and interactive activities for children and families. Guests will have the opportunity to meet officers, firefighters, and first responders while learning more about the important work being done every day to serve the community.

One of the highlights of the event is the opportunity for residents to engage with first responders one-on-one outside of emergency situations. Events like this allow us to listen to our community, answer questions, and create positive interactions that strengthen community partnerships. Public safety is most effective when agencies and residents work together, and Ashland Public Safety Day is a reflection of that shared commitment.

We are also grateful for the support of the many local businesses and vendors that continue to participate and help make this event possible. Their involvement demonstrates the strong sense of community that makes Ashland such a special place to live and work.

Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment, demonstrations, educational opportunities, and community engagement. Whether you come to meet our K9 teams, explore emergency vehicles, support local businesses, or simply spend time with neighbors, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Please continue to check the Ashland Police Department Facebook page for updates on participating businesses, vendors, activities, and event information as the date approaches.

We look forward to seeing everyone at this year's Ashland Public Safety Day and continuing to build strong relationships within the community we proudly serve.

Looking for something fun to do on a Thursday evening? Come on down to The Corner Spot for Open Mic Nights! Hosted by Danny Silverman, who guarantees to keep the good vibes going, anyone interested in singing, doing spoken word, or telling a few jokes is welcome to come up to the mic. Open Mic Nights are on July 9, 16, and 23, starting at 6:30 p.m..

Also happening at The Corner Spot this summer is Tot Spot hosted by the Ashland Moms Club! Come on down to participate in fun activities geared towards your toddler. This is a great way to connect with other parents and for toddlers to connect with other children their age. Tot Spot will take place every Thursday in July from 10-11 a.m.

Did you know you can also just hang out at The Corner Spot? Come take advantage of this open space! There are picnic tables, wooden bench swings, a big blue chair and even a brand new water fountain. Bring your reusable water bottles to stay hydrated!

Fifty-eight Ashland families grow organic vegetables and some flowers in raised beds and in-ground beds on a former tennis court in Ashland. Since 2009, the Ashland Community Gardens at Stone Park has grown to include a certified monarch butterfly waystation; shared shade, herb and flower gardens, and an Asian Pear Tree Guild installed with the help of Wellesley College. Now Ashland's Boy Scout Troop 232, led by Eagle Scout candidate Kameron Turncliff, has created a major upgrade of the grounds. Under Kameron's leadership, they have cleaned up and reseeded a section of the garden, built a large bin to contain organic waste and provided rabbit fencing around part of the perimeter. Kameron and his team completed the project in time for the growing season. For more information about the Ashland Community Gardens, please contact Rob Moolenbeek at [email protected].

The Ashland Arboretum held its official ribbon-cutting on June 9, 2026, with over 40 people attending to celebrate the momentous occasion. From residents to former Town of Ashland staff who got the project started to current staff who have been working hard to get ready for this day, this ribbon-cutting was truly a special one. Thank you to everyone who made this project possible and a special thanks to Ed Hart for all he has done to make the arboretum what it is and will continue to be.

The Ashland Arboretum serves as a living museum with over 80 plant species growing. Take a walk along the trail, sit on one of the benches, and enjoy some time in nature.

On June 10, 2026, the Ashland Food Pantry and the Prevention & Human Services Department officially opened their new shared space in the newly renovated wing of the Ashland Community Center.

Located on the lower level of the Community Center at 162 West Union Street, the new wing brings both programs together under one roof in a space designed to improve operations, expand accessibility, and better serve Ashland residents.

A Long Time in the Making

This project was years in the making and was made possible through the support of the Town of Ashland and the collaboration of multiple departments working together toward a common goal. The new space reflects the Town's commitment to meeting evolving community needs and aligns with feedback received from residents through community planning efforts, which highlighted the importance of accessible support services and resources.

The renovation was funded through a combination of capital projects, legislative earmarks, insurance recovery funds related to water damage, and grant funding. Together, these investments helped transform the facility into a more functional, accessible, and welcoming space for residents.

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this project a reality.

The Ashland Food Pantry: Built to Serve Better

The Ashland Food Pantry underwent a significant organizational transformation as part of the move. New shelving systems and updated equipment have created a more efficient and welcoming environment for both volunteers and staff who prepare and pack orders for our residents.

These improvements were supported in part through a Greater Boston Food Bank Community Investment Grant received through the pantry's partnership with the Ashland Emergency Fund (AEF). The renovated space allows volunteers and staff to move more efficiently throughout the pantry while increasing the ability to serve residents with dignity and care.

Since reopening on June 10, the Ashland Food Pantry has continued to provide curbside pickup by appointment only. Pantry hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations are also accepted during these hours.

Residents can learn more, sign up to receive food, complete an online order form, or make a donation by visiting https://www.ashlandmass.com/440/Ashland-Food-Pantry. The Food Pantry Coordinator, Yucchi Cote, can be reached at 508-532-7949. Questions related to Human Services may be directed to [email protected].

Prevention & Human Services Bringing Prevention and Human Services into the same location has created new opportunities for collaboration and service delivery. Staff from both programs now work side by side, making it easier to connect residents with a broader range of resources and support, making it easier to identify and respond to needs that might otherwise go unaddressed.

Whether a resident first contacts the Food Pantry or Human Services, the co-located model helps ensure that additional needs can be identified and addressed quickly and efficiently. We look forward to putting the new space to work for the Ashland community.

Looking Ahead

This new wing represents more than a renovated space-it represents an investment in the well-being of Ashland residents and the future of human services in our town.

Residents can access services through the Ashland Food Pantry and Prevention & Human Services at the Ashland Community Center, Lower Level, 162 West Union Street. For information about food pantry services, volunteer opportunities, and donations, please contact Food Pantry Coordinator Yucchi Cote at 508-532-7949 or email

[email protected].

We would like to thank every partner, volunteer, donor, department, and community member who helped make this project possible and look forward to serving Ashland residents in this new space for years to come.