If you live in South Jersey, you’ve probably heard someone mention "the fort park" or that place with the giant wooden castle. Honestly, they’re usually talking about Bob Meyer Memorial Park. It’s tucked away in Medford, right next to the municipal garage, which sounds kind of boring until you actually pull into the gravel lot and see the massive wooden structure looming over the trees.
Finding it can be a bit of a trek.
The main entrance is technically at 2 Commonwealth Drive, but most people end up navigating toward Gravelly Hollow Road. It’s one of those spots that feels like a local secret even though it’s been a staple of the Medford Youth Athletic Association (MYAA) for decades.
The Fort Medford Legend
The heart of Bob Meyer Memorial Park is Fort Medford.
It’s not just a playground; it’s a full-on wooden fortress. While most modern parks are moving toward plastic and metal, this place keeps that old-school, imaginative vibe alive. You’ve got ramps, bridges, and multiple levels that make kids feel like they’re actually defending a castle.
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But it’s not just for the older kids who want to play tag.
They’ve recently added an all-access playground area too. This part is huge. It features a smooth, poured-in-place rubber surface that’s wheelchair-friendly and much easier on the knees than the woodchips in the main fort. There’s a roller slide—specifically designed for kids with limited lower body mobility—and an interactive musical wall. It’s one of the most inclusive setups in Burlington County.
Parents usually hover around the covered pavilion. There are about six picnic tables in there, and they’re almost always claimed for birthday parties on Saturday mornings.
More Than Just Slides and Swings
People forget how big this park actually is.
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Beyond the wooden towers, the park sprawls out into a massive complex of sports fields. If you’re here on a Tuesday night or a Saturday morning, you’re basically walking into a sea of soccer jerseys and lacrosse sticks.
- Basketball: There are two color-coated, regulation-size courts. They’re usually in great shape and see a lot of pickup games.
- Lacrosse/Soccer: The fields are configured to handle everything from U6 soccer to full-size girls' lacrosse games.
- Walking Trails: There’s a path that starts behind the playground, loops around the baseball fields, and ducks into a small wooded area. It’s a short loop, but it’s perfect if you just need to get your steps in while the kids are at practice.
One weirdly specific detail? There’s a "tower" near the baseball field where kids can climb up and get a bird's-eye view of the game. It’s a tiny touch, but it’s the kind of thing that makes this park feel different from a standard suburban field.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Don't expect a high-end coffee shop on-site.
This is a township park, through and through. The restrooms are usually open and functional, which is a win for any parent, but they aren’t exactly five-star. Also, parking can be a total nightmare during peak tournament season. The main lot off Commonwealth fills up fast, so you might have to use the overflow parking on Gravelly Hollow Road.
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If you’re planning a party, you can actually reserve the pavilion. You have to go through the Medford Township website or call their recreation office at (609) 654-2608. They issue permits for both residents and non-residents, though residents get a bit of a price break.
Also, keep an eye on the calendar for shredding events. The DPW yard right behind the park hosts them a few times a year—usually in April, June, August, and October. It sounds random, but if you’ve got a mountain of paperwork at home, it’s a convenient excuse to visit the park.
Dealing with the South Jersey Elements
Since it’s nestled in the Pines, the bugs can be brutal.
If you're visiting Bob Meyer Memorial Park in late July or August, bring the heavy-duty bug spray. The wooded sections near the walking paths are prime territory for gnats and mosquitoes.
On the flip side, the shade inside the wooden fort is actually pretty decent. Even on a hot day, the structure stays relatively cool compared to those plastic slides that turn into lava in the sun.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the MYAA Schedule: If you want a quiet visit, avoid Saturday mornings. That’s when the sports leagues take over, and the noise/crowd levels skyrocket.
- Bring Your Own Water: There are no vending machines. There might be a water fountain near the restrooms, but it’s hit-or-miss depending on the season.
- Pack a Picnic: Use the charcoal BBQ grills if you’re staying for the day. Just remember you need to bring your own charcoal and clean up afterward.
- Use the Back Entrance: If the main lot is full, the Gravelly Hollow Road entrance is almost always your best bet for finding a spot.
Whether you're there for a travel soccer game or just to let the kids burn off energy in the fort, Bob Meyer Memorial Park remains one of those reliable, "actually fun" spots that defines the Medford community. It’s rugged, a little bit dusty, and exactly what a local park should be.