Published on June 05, 2026
The dedicated pickleball facility known as The Courts by Lithia & Driveway officially opened June 5 at Howard Memorial Sports Park, with a celebration held in conjunction with the Southern Oregon Pickleball Association’s (SOPA) annual spring tournament.
The $2 million facility is now the largest municipal pickleball complex in Oregon, featuring 19 lighted courts for recreational and competitive play.
The courts are open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Use is free, except during tournaments or league play that may require a fee.
Construction began in October 2025 to help meet the growing local demand for pickleball and to position Medford to host regional and national tournaments.
Funding for the project was made possible through a public-private partnership. More than $900,000 was raised by SOPA fundraising efforts, including naming rights support by Lithia Motors, Inc. Additional capital funding was provided by Howard Memorial Sports Park, Inc. and the City of Medford.
Other amenities at the park include four sand volleyball courts, expected to open later this month, a neighborhood playground and picnic area in development, and a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated on Memorial Day.