Hammond Park

A Glimpse into the Past

Nestled in west Jacksonville at the corner of 12th Street and Melson Avenue lies Hammond Park, a 13.7-acre green space with a story that stretches back nearly a century. Back in 1923, this land served a completely different purpose - it was part of Paxon Field, an early airstrip named after its owner, E. H. Paxon, where planes would take off and land in what must have been quite the spectacle for locals at the time.

The space officially opened as a public park in 1955, initially called Paxon Park. It later received its current name in honor of Joseph F. Hammond (1885-1967), a dedicated Duval County Commissioner who served the community for an impressive 40 years from 1921 to 1961. Hammond wasn't just influential locally - he even rose to become president of the National Association of County Officials during his extensive public service career.

A Community Hub

Today, Hammond Park sits at the heart of its neighborhood, surrounded by three schools and the Hammond Senior Center (which started its life as a Youth Center). This central location makes it a natural gathering spot where students, families, and seniors can enjoy a breath of fresh air and recreational activities just steps from where they learn, live, and socialize.

What You'll Find Today

The park hasn't remained frozen in time - it's evolved to better serve its visitors. In 1994, the ball fields got a much-needed makeover, breathing new life into the athletic spaces.

More recently, in 2004, Hammond Park received additional upgrades including a distinctive new building that houses a two-story scorebox, clean restrooms, and a concession stand that's handicap-accessible. These thoughtful improvements have made the park more welcoming and functional for everyone in the community, regardless of ability.