Originally known as Barrs Field, Durkee Field was bought by the city for $348,000 in 1932. The baseball stadium was built in 1936-1937. Durkee Field was home to the Negro League and minor league baseball teams. Henry Aaron, Leroy “Satchel” Paige, Roy Campanella, James “Cool Papa” Bell and William “Judy” Johnson passed through on their way to baseball’s “Hall of Fame”. The name of the park changed from Durkee Field to J. P. Small Memorial Park Stadium in July 1980. James P. Small coached and taught at Stanton HS for 33 years, then coached at Raines HS for one year before retiring. He died in 1975. In 1982, the stadium was slated for demolition; however, a case was made for its renovation. The project was completed in 1985. Renovations included structural repairs, a new roof, press box and dugouts, paving the parking lot, a new playscape and lighted fields. Further renovation in 2006 included adding a small museum.  A grant from the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs in 2017 added climate control and increased the size of the museum.  In 2018, the ballfield was renamed to “Hank Aaron Ballfield. 

The Special Committee on Parks allocated funds for further renovation in 2022.  The project will include new entryways, revised parking, landscape, and a new outfield museum.  The first phase of the project includes also new sports lighting, artificial field turf, fencing and updated dug outs. The field will be ready for play in fall 2024.