The Site’s
History

An iconic landmark for the Ballpark neighborhood, the site has served as a sports, civic and cultural anchor in Salt Lake City for over 100 years.

Natural History

Historically, three Salt Lake Valley waterways: Red Butte Creek, Emigration Creek, and Parley’s Creek, traversed the neighborhood, terminating at the Jordan River. These creeks remained daylit as recent as 1952, but were ultimately channelized and buried under 1300 South.

Baseball Origins

The site’s baseball legacy began in 1928 with the opening of Community Park and later Derks Field. This ballpark served as the home of the Salt Lake Bees, Gulls, and Trappers for decades as well as a beloved anchor for celebrations and civic pride, hosting events like concerts and July 4th fireworks shows.

Modern Day

In 1994, Derks Field was replaced by a modern minor league baseball facility, first named Franklin Covey Field, now known as Smith’s Ballpark, which continued the tradition of baseball as the home of the Salt Lake Bees until 2024.

Black-and-white aerial photograph of Derks Field baseball stadium and the surrounding neighborhood in 1952.
An aerial view of Derks Field with daylit creeks along 1300 South as seen in 1952. (Credit: Salt Lake Tribune)

Swipe or scroll horizontally to explore the full map.

History map titled The History of the Ballpark. An axonometric neighborhood diagram locates the three culverted creeks, Historic Derks Field Structure, Fire Station 8, and Smith’s Ballpark Today, with a three-period legend and north marker.
Map description

The map is titled “The History of the Ballpark.” Its callouts identify The Three Culverted Creeks, Historic Derks Field Structure, Fire Station 8, and Smith’s Ballpark Today. Cyan-blue lines for The Creeks run along W 1300 S. The peach Baseball Origins footprint (1928–1994) is overlaid by the purple Modern Day horseshoe and field (1994–Present). Fire Station 8 is east of the ballpark. A NORTH marker indicates orientation.

Street labels include Paxton Ave, Lucy Ave, Jefferson St, W 1300 S, 1400 S, Main St, and W Richards St.