Group Gathers Signatures Against Hawthorne Park Stadium

Citizens for Hawthorne Park is opposing a proposed baseball stadium at the downtown green space ahead of a November council study session.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Baseball

Group Gathers Signatures Against Hawthorne Park Stadium

Live Poll

Should Medford residents get a direct vote on building a stadium at Hawthorne Park?

Volunteers with Citizens for Hawthorne Park collected signatures at the Medford Thursday Market to oppose a baseball stadium at Hawthorne Park, which has gathered over 1,000 signatures so far. The Medford City Council will review stadium cost estimates and the Harry and David Field alternative at a November 12 study session.

Why it matters

Hawthorne Park is one of two sites under consideration, and the outcome will determine whether a downtown green space is developed for professional baseball. Opponents argue the park is historic and a rare green buffer against pollution from the downtown freeway.

The city's figures so far are a 10% conceptual design and construction cost estimate for Hawthorne Park, while the signature count of over 1,000 reflects the group's own tally rather than an official measure of public opinion. The cost of modifying Harry and David Field to meet professional baseball standards remains under study.

The players

Citizens for Hawthorne Park

An advocacy group opposing development of a baseball stadium at Hawthorne Park in Medford, Oregon.

Abigail Mace

A Medford City Council Ward 3 candidate who joined the signature-gathering effort against the Hawthorne Park stadium.

Medford City Council

The city's elected legislative body that will review stadium cost estimates and hold a public hearing on the proposal.

The details

Volunteers collected signatures from Medford residents at the Thursday Market in Hawthorne Park, and Ward 3 council candidate Abigail Mace joined the effort. Council materials will be posted publicly Friday and the study session will also be available over Zoom.

Thursday (before November 6, 2026): Volunteers collect signatures at the Medford Thursday Market.
November 12, 2026: Medford City Council holds a study session on stadium cost estimates.
November 18, 2026: Public hearing at the Medford City Council meeting.

Season Trajectory

The choice between Hawthorne Park and Harry and David Field frames whether Medford pursues a new downtown ballpark or upgrades its current venue to meet professional baseball requirements. Council review of cost estimates will set the direction for the team's long-term home.

Residents who want to weigh in can attend the November 18 public hearing at the Medford City Council meeting. The study session on November 12 will also be viewable over Zoom for those who cannot attend in person.

The takeaway

Residents interested in the outcome should follow the November 12 study session and the November 18 public hearing, where the stadium cost estimates and site comparison will be reviewed. Public input at the hearing is one of the few direct ways to influence the decision.

What happens next

The Medford City Council will hold a study session on November 12, 2026 to review cost estimates, followed by a public hearing at the November 18, 2026 council meeting.