Located on the east side of Railroad Park is a citizen memorial that reads:
DEDICATED TO
KEN HAGEN
-------------------------
ASHLAND CITY COUNCILOR 1995-1998,
AND HIS EXTRAORDINARY VISION AND
COMMITMENT FOR BIKEPATHS IN ASHLAND |
Ken passed away in 1998 at the age of 39 of complications from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I located a memo from the City of Ashland that highlights his goals for bikepaths and mentions the plaque created in his honor and reads:
Almost five years ago, on September 21, 1998, Ashland City Councilor Ken Hagen passed away. Ken was an extraordinary person who overcame his disabilities and tirelessly worked for a better Ashland. He promoted a healthy environment for all of us, encouraging alternative forms of transportation for everyone.
One year ago, a bronze plaque was dedicated in Ken's name for the stretch of bike path by the Railroad Park, which was made possible by donations in memory of Ken Hagen and his quest for bike paths in Ashland. The plaque has been mounted in concrete by the beginning of the Central Ashland bikeway on the corner of A and 8th Street, so we may always remember Ken and never forget his dedication and commitment to the City of Ashland.
The plaque reads:
DEDICATED TO KEN HAGEN
ASHLAND CITY COUNCILOR, 1995-1998
AND HIS EXTRAORDINARY VISION AND
COMMITMENT FOR BIKEPATHS IN ASHLAND
I hope that some of you have been able to use and enjoy the bike paths.
I am pleased to say that the long-awaited Siskiyou Boulevard project is drawing to a close, which has bike lanes. Ken always dreamed that one day Siskiyou Boulevard would have bike lanes and his dream is almost realized.
Among other things Ken was also dedicated to recycling, so let's honor him by picking up our trash, recycling more and conserving our resources.