Landon Struthers, age 6, gives a thumbs up with his dad, Kyle, for the renovations being worked on at the Medford BMX track on Highland Drive.

With a goal of providing the community more opportunities and a safer BMX course experience, Rogue Valley BMX has seized the opportunity to do just that in recent weeks.

For the first time in 15 years, the nonprofit organization has taken on the task of rebuilding its race course to help meet the national standard by widening the track to 20 feet and lengthening it from 720 to 900 feet, along with paving the corners on the site at 786 Highland Dr. in Medford.

With Rogue Valley BMX using a public track, the window to make any changes has been small with volunteers working on maintenance before the race sessions on Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons to help make the course safe and free of litter.

Rogue Valley BMX race director Kyle Struthers noted that the rebuilding of the course will help with overall safety and make it easier to maintain.

“We get out there two hours before, we’re sweeping it off and cleaning up,” said Struthers. “That’s why we’re hoping to do the asphalt corners, so that’s a whole lot less maintenance.”

With most donation funds already going toward paying USA BMX to be a sanctioned track here in Medford, Struthers has been glad to see things come together financially for the renovation.

“Typically in the past, things have been really tight,” he said. “But, we’ve gotten some amazing sponsors and we’re actually able to do this track rebuild.”

After an initial online fundraiser wrapped up last week, Struthers saw some unforeseen help with a direct grant from Charles Schwab and other donations coming in the form of raw materials and labor to help.

Among donations for a rebuilding of the track, Rogue Valley BMX has also looked for ways to help attain loaner bikes to offer new racers who may not be able to afford the equipment.

“We are trying to get it manageable for lower-income families,” Struthers added. “Right now, we’re hoping to get donations for an actual fleet of bikes.”

With races being held year-round, Struthers said the renovations and fundraising are part of helping provide the community a BMX track that can be used for competitive and novice racers.

“We don’t go for being the top of the most difficult track,” said Struthers. “We try to cater to our environment, which is kids learning to ride, getting into BMX and racing.”

After leveling parts of the course last month, Rogue Valley BMX is aiming to have the track finished by April 1, with an open house afterwards to show the completed track and further the group’s fundraising efforts.

For more information on Rogue Valley BMX, email roguevalleybmx@hotmail.com or visit the group site on Facebook.