Medford, Ore. – A new outdoor initiative aimed at encouraging children to explore nature is coming to Medford with the city’s first TRACK Trail, set to open by the end of June at Prescott Park. The half-mile-long, paved trail will provide local children with a fun, interactive way to connect with the outdoors, thanks to a partnership between Kids in Parks and Oregon Parks Forever.
TRACK Trails are part of a national program designed to engage children in grades 1 through 6 in outdoor exploration. The trails feature educational activities that spark curiosity and provide opportunities for hands-on learning as kids explore the natural world. Through these trails, the program encourages physical activity, fosters a love for nature, and enhances environmental awareness.
Medford’s new TRACK Trail will include a variety of educational signage and materials to guide young adventurers as they make their way along the path. The funding for the project, including the installation of trail markers and interactive elements, is provided by Oregon Parks Forever, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Oregon’s state parks.
This new addition comes as part of an effort to expand the TRACK Trails program across the state. With 313 trails currently established across the nation, Oregon is home to 19 of these kid-friendly paths. The installation of Medford’s trail adds to a growing list of locations where children can engage with nature in a meaningful and educational way. This spring, new trails are also planned for Lithia Park in Ashland and McGregor Park near Shady Cove.
The Medford Parks and Recreation Commission approved the proposal for the TRACK Trail on March 25 with a 5-2 vote. Local officials are hopeful that the new trail will provide families and school groups with an accessible and enriching outdoor experience.
With the opening of the TRACK Trail at Prescott Park, Medford joins other communities in Southern Oregon in providing kids with more opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region while learning about the environment in an engaging and interactive way.
The Prescott Park TRACK Trail is expected to open by the end of June, and with plans for additional trails in nearby areas, families across Southern Oregon will have even more ways to experience the great outdoors.