You’ve probably driven past that massive stretch of land in West Medford and wondered what the deal is. It’s right there at the intersection of Ross Lane and Rossanley Drive, basically hugging the side of the Rogue Credit Union Community Complex—everyone just calls it Rogue X now. This is the Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park, and honestly, the story behind it is way more interesting than your typical city planning project.
For decades, this 50-plus acre plot was just a farm. It was owned by a man named Wesley Howard, a guy who lived a life that sounds like it was pulled straight out of a Depression-era novel. He didn't have indoor plumbing. No telephone. He cooked on a wood-burning stove and hauled water from a hand-dug well. Most locals who remember him from back in the day described him as a "recluse" or even a "curmudgeon." There were rumors he’d chase kids off his land with a gun.
Then he died in 2003.
When the dust settled on his estate, the "meanest man in Medford" had left $11 million to turn his homestead into a youth sports park. He wanted the kids he’d spent years hollering at to have a place to play. It’s one of the wildest turnarounds in Southern Oregon history.
The Massive Expansion Happening Right Now
If you haven't been out to Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park in a while, you're going to see a lot of orange cones and moving dirt. For years, people complained that the "park" was basically just one soccer field and a locked bathroom. They weren't wrong. Progress was slow—painfully slow—mostly due to the 2008 recession and the massive undertaking of getting the Rogue X facility off the ground.
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But 2025 and 2026 are the "big" years.
The City of Medford and the Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park Board of Directors are currently knee-deep in a $1.8 million development phase. We're talking about a complete transformation of the land adjacent to Rogue X.
What’s actually being built?
- Lithia & Driveway Pickleball Courts: This is the headline act. They are putting in 19 lighted pickleball courts. Once finished, it’ll be the largest public pickleball facility in the entire region. If you’ve ever tried to grab a court at Fichtner-Mainwaring on a Saturday morning, you know how badly this is needed.
- Sand Volleyball & Youth Fields: There are three sand volleyball courts and three youth baseball/softball fields with batting cages in the works.
- The Neighborhood Park: Not everyone is an athlete. A chunk of the land is being dedicated to a standard neighborhood park with a shaded playground, picnic tables, and a half-size basketball court for the 2,000+ residents living within walking distance.
- The Vietnam War Memorial: This is a big deal for the local vet community. It’s a permanent, full-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, bearing the names of over 58,000 service members. It’s been a long-term fundraising project by Southern Oregon Veterans Benefit, and it finally has a permanent home here.
Why Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park is Different
Most parks are just grass and a swing set. This place is becoming a "regional hub," which is basically government-speak for "it’s going to be packed every weekend."
The synergy between the outdoor fields and the indoor Rogue X facility is the secret sauce. Rogue X has that massive competitive pool with 13 lanes and the recreational pool with the slides and lazy river. By adding the outdoor pickleball and baseball fields, Medford is positioning this corner of town to host massive West Coast tournaments.
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I’ve heard some people grumble about the parking. Honestly, it’s a valid concern. When there’s a swim meet inside and a soccer tournament outside, finding a spot is a nightmare. The good news? The current expansion includes 260 new parking spaces. It might not solve everything, but it's a huge step up from the "circle the block for twenty minutes" situation we've had lately.
Exploring the "Scrooge" Legacy
It’s hard to talk about Wes Howard Memorial Sports Park without getting into the man himself. Wesley Howard was born in 1916 and lived on that farm his entire 87 years. He served on the Medford Citizens Planning Advisory Committee for nearly two decades, so he clearly cared about the city, even if he didn't show it with a smile.
There’s a bit of a divide in how people remember him. Some neighbors, like Ivan and Twyla Bryant who lived across from him for forty years, said he wasn't a mean guy—just private. They told stories about him giving out apples and pencils to any kid brave enough to knock on his door for Halloween.
Maybe he wasn't the hermit everyone thought he was. Maybe he was just waiting until the very end to make his biggest move.
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How to use the park in 2026
If you're planning to head down there, keep a few things in mind. The park is located at 1221 N Ross Ln, Medford, OR 97501.
- Check the Schedule: Since it’s a memorial sports park, the fields are often reserved for youth leagues. If you want to kick a ball around, try a weekday morning.
- The Bathroom Situation: Historically, the bathrooms here were notorious for being locked. With the new developments and the proximity to Rogue X, access has improved, but it's always smart to have a backup plan.
- Food and Shade: There isn't a ton of natural shade yet (the new trees need time to grow). If you’re watching a game, bring an umbrella. There are often food trucks parked near the entrance during events—people rave about the variety, though the prices are what you’d expect for "event food."
- Dog Policy: It's a great spot for a walk, but keep them on a leash. The area is becoming very high-traffic with kids and athletes.
What’s Next for the Park?
The goal is to have most of these new amenities finished by the end of 2026. You’ll start seeing more regional tournaments being announced soon. Medford Parks and Recreation is already pushing the new "Activity Guide" which includes a lot of programming specifically for these new courts.
Basically, this isn't just a "neighborhood park" anymore. It's an $11 million legacy that’s finally, after twenty-odd years, becoming exactly what Wes Howard envisioned. It’s a place for kids to play, for veterans to be honored, and for the city to grow.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Visit the Memorial: Take a walk through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica; it’s a somber, powerful experience that doesn’t require any sports equipment.
- Join the SOPA: If you’re a pickleballer, look into the Southern Oregon Pickleball Association. They were instrumental in fundraising for those 19 courts and will be running most of the local ladder leagues.
- Check Rogue X Hours: If you're heading to the park for a workout, remember you can cool off in the Rogue X lap pool afterward, but you'll need a day pass or membership.