In recent years, the Park has cultivated a successful relationship with the Alabama High School Association (AHSAA) and serves as host to several sanctioned cross-country events including the Jesse Owens Classic honoring Owens, the famous Olympic medalists whose birthplace is located nearby the Park; the Chickasaw Trails invitational that attracts several thousand runners and spectators from many states; and the state high school cross-country championship. These three events are estimated to attract 23,000 participants and spectators to the Park each year. The Park was selected to host the 2008 and 2015 AAU National Cross-Country Championships for high school competitors and hopes to do so again in the future.