Medford’s 2M Dollars Pickleball Dream: Efforts in the Rogue Valley are underway to bring professional and national-level pickleball tournaments to Medford. The centerpiece of this initiative is the development of a 19-court pickleball facility adjacent to Rogue X, spearheaded by a partnership between the non-profit Howard Memorial Sports Park, Inc., the City of Medford, the Southern Oregon Pickleball Association (SOPA), and the Southern Oregon Pickleball Foundation.
Fundraising efforts have gained momentum, with $800,000 already committed toward the $2 million goal. According to DeAnn Winter, president of the Pickleball Foundation and Association, the facility would be Oregon’s largest outdoor pickleball setup.
“When this gets put in, it will be the biggest outdoor facility in Oregon, I believe. Beyond bringing in tournaments, this will a really be a benefit for the people in the community.” – (DeAnn Winter)
Facility Design and Expansion Plans
The 19-court facility will occupy two acres of the Howard Memorial Sports Park, leveraging nearby restrooms and parking at Rogue X. A conceptual design by Medford-based Marquess and Associates outlines features like lighting for nighttime play, a championship court with grandstands, and potential amenities such as benches, shade structures, and water fountains.
Phase two of the project envisions court coverings to ensure year-round play despite weather conditions. Rich Rosenthal, Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities director, emphasized that the courts have room for expansion, should additional space be needed to attract larger tournaments.
“There’s room to grow a little bit if that is needed to attract the national tournaments.” – (Rosenthal)
SOPA has worked closely with USA Pickleball to ensure the facility meets professional standards, potentially drawing attention from organizations like the Association of Pickleball Players and the Professional Pickleball Association.
Community-Driven Development
The park land, donated by the late Wes Howard, is managed by Howard Memorial Sports Park, Inc.
“Donating the land to use is a huge, positive first step to get going.” – (DeAnn Winter)
Winter highlighted the significance of this donation, calling it a “huge, positive first step.” SOPA has launched sponsorship opportunities and is actively fundraising to make the facility a reality.
Currently, SOPA hosts an annual tournament that attracts 300 players from Northern California, Seattle, and beyond, using taped lines on tennis courts at Fichtner-Mainwaring Park. The new facility would eliminate these limitations and allow for multi-day tournaments accommodating even more participants.
Private Facilities Join the Scene
In addition to the planned facility, the valley has seen two private indoor pickleball facilities open recently. Pickleball Heights in Central Point offers four doubles courts and two singles courts, with memberships starting at $99 per month. The Dink Tank Pickleball Club in Phoenix, open since April, hosts league play and practice drills, catering to the growing interest in the sport locally.
News in Brief: Medford’s 2M Dollars Pickleball Dream
The Rogue Valley aims to attract professional pickleball tournaments with a 19-court pickleball facility in Medford, partnered by SOPA, the City of Medford, and others. Fundraising has secured $800,000 of the $2 million goal. Planned features include lit courts, a championship arena, and future expansions.
SOPA’s annual tournament already draws 300 players, showcasing the sport’s rising popularity. Two private indoor venues, Pickleball Heights and Dink Tank Pickleball Club, also highlight the local rise in pickleball.
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