City of Medford Plans $2.3 Million Renovation of Jackson Park

Medford, Oregon- The City of Medford is planning significant renovations to Jackson Park in west Medford, with funding from the City’s Park Improvement Fund and a potential state grant. The City Council approved a resolution on March 5, authorizing the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department to apply for the 2025 State of Oregon Local Government Large Grant, seeking up to $1 million.

The state grant requires a 50% match, which the city can meet if the 2025-27 biennial budget includes the requested $1.4 million from the Park Improvement Fund. The grant application is due by April 1, 2025.

Jackson Park, located next to Jackson Elementary School, has served the community since its construction in the 1960s. A public-input process led to a master plan that was adopted by the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2022. The project has been listed as an approved capital improvement project for the past two City budget cycles.

Planned upgrades include a large splash pad, renovations to the 1960s-era pool building, refurbished restroom facilities, new picnic areas, a large dog park, sandy volleyball courts, a bike skills area, and continued improvements to nearby Fagone Field. The total estimated cost of the project is $2.3 million, with work to be completed in phases as funding becomes available.

If the grant is not awarded, the project will proceed with the $1.4 million from the Park Improvement Fund. The remaining $1 million would then be allocated from the City’s 2027-29 biennial budget.

Since 2008, the City of Medford has received nearly $3 million in Local Government Grants, supporting projects such as Lithia & Driveway Fields and the Olsrud Family Community Playground at Bear Creek Park.