Medford Secures $780,593 State Grant for Jackson Park Revitalization

Published on September 19, 2025

The Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department has been awarded a $780,593 grant from the State of Oregon’s Local Government Grant Program to support renovation of Jackson Park in west Medford.

The funding will assist the department’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the park, which was constructed in the 1960s. The centerpiece of the project is a large, imaginative splash pad that will replace the former Jackson Aquatic Center pool areas, with completion expected by summer 2027.

Other upgrades include renovation to the existing pool building, refurbishment of the restroom facilities, and new picnic areas adjacent to the new splash pad.

"We're thrilled to receive the state's support and partnership with renovating one of Medford's oldest and most important neighborhood parks," Department Director Rich Rosenthal said. "We look forward to revitalizing this park for the next several generations of Medfordites."

In total, this phase of the park renovation is supported by more than $2.3 million in funding, including contributions from the City’s Park Improvement Fund and Community Development Block Grant allocations.

Located adjacent to Jackson Elementary School at 815 Summit Ave., the 10.5-acre park serves about 1,000 households and approximately 2,500 residents within a half-mile radius.

Since 2008, the department has received more than $3.5 million through the Local Government Grant Program, which has helped fund projects such as Lithia & Driveway Fields and the Olsrud Family Community Playground at Bear Creek Park.