Medford Renames Lithia & Driveway Field to Honor Greg Jones’ 41-Year Legacy of Park-Building Brilliance

MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford City Council confirmed that the City approved renaming Field 6 at Lithia & Driveway Fields “Greg Jones Field” on Wednesday.

Greg Jones, who worked for Medford Parks, Recreation, and Facilities for 29 years, including 22 years as its director, retired in 2002 and is the longest-serving director in the department’s history.

He also served as interim City Manager in 1998, followed by two terms on the City Council from 2004 to 2011, before serving an appointed term on the Medford Water Commission between 2018 and 2021.

Here is a quick look at Greg Jones’ public service timeline.

Under Jones’ leadership, Medford’s current parks system, including the creation of 12 City parks and the acquisition of parkland where Lithia & Driveway Fields is situated, was developed.

Here is what Medford’s park system looks like today, the system Greg Jones helped build.

He had considerable success in securing federal Land and Water Conservation funds for the City.

The renaming of Field 6 got final approval from the City Council after being approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission during its April 22 meeting. A new sign honoring Jones is scheduled to be installed by July 1.

The renaming seeks to honor Jones, who dedicated 41 years of service to the community. Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department Director Rich Rosenthal said. “We’re thrilled to honor his legacy and longtime service to the City and the community.”