City reviewing plans for museum at historic ballpark in Durkeeville

[thelakelander]

The city of Jacksonville is reviewing plans for the municipal government's proposed baseball museum at the historic J.P. Small Park in Durkeeville.

Civil plans show a 4,205-square-foot, one-story building in the northwest corner of the park, beyond the left field fence. According to notes in the plans, the facility would include a gallery space with a kitchenette and a storage/mechanical area.

The main entrance would be on the west side of the building, which would be at Myrtle Avenue North and West Eighth Street. Plans for the entrance show a stained-concrete walkway, benches and landscaping surrounding an oak tree that would be retained for the museum.

Full article: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/may/11/city-reviewing-plans-for-museum-at-historic-ballpark-in-durkeeville/

[thelakelander]

Here's some conceptual renderings that I have on file from the Durkeeville Revitalization work:

[fsu813]

The public would appreciate some shade at that entry plaza. Shade = good.

[thelakelander]

Yes, there's an existing tree present. They've made revisions to the plaza to keep it. You can see the "carve out" in that plaza on the floor plan/site plan construction document.

[Jason]

Neat idea!

Is that a glass wall facing the field?  Hopefully that glass is tough enough to take some hits....

[Jankelope]

These kinds of small attractions are what make a city. You need a few of the large scale attractions like MOSH and the Zoo, but you also need dozens of small, special things to do.

[Zac T]

Love this. Spent many days as a kid at the playground that used to be there. Exciting addition to the neighborhood!

[thelakelander]

A new, larger baseball themed playground and interactive fountain/splash pad is planned just east of the museum. I'm currently working with surrounding property owners and businesses to help stimulate a small walkable business district on Myrtle Avenue adjacent to JP Small Park.