Facilities

Please note - Stevens field will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, December 12th, 2022, to allow for the upcoming construction of the new fire station. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Located at 3881 NE 6 Avenue, Stevens Field is a lighted multi-purpose athletic complex (softball, baseball, soccer, flag football fields) and offers a pavilion available for rental.  

About James W. Stevens (1917-2010) Bill Stevens was born in New Castle, PA on December 12, 1917, to Vene Juanita and Homer Clair Stevens. He spent his childhood in Grand Rapids, MI, until his family moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1925 where he attended Oakland Park Elementary School.  For 26 years, beginning in 1941, Bill's family owned and operated Stevens Bakery, and were very proud of their five locations in Fort Lauderdale.

After graduating from Miami High School in 1936, where he was Senior Class President, Bill attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. There, on a blind date he met Jeanne Freeburger, his wife of 64 years. A year after Bill and Jeanne married; he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After graduation from officers Candidate school, Captain Stevens, as a member of the 77th Infantry Division, Quartermaster Section, was stationed in Manila and Japan.

 Upon his return to civilian life in 1946, Bill and Jeanne moved to Oakland Park where they raised their daughters, Barbara and Lynn. In December of that same year, Bill began his 42 year political career by winning a seat on the Oakland Park City Council, and served as that Citys Mayor from 1955 to 1962 when he successfully ran for the Broward County Commission.

During his term on the Broward County Commission, Bill served as Chairman for 6 years; and in the 1970s was known as Mr. Republican. When re-elected his 3rd term, Bill Stevens was Browards highest vote getter! 

In 1978, Bill made an unsuccessful run for the Florida Senate, losing to Senator Van B. Poole. Undeterred, Stevens secured a Senate seat in 1980, but served only 2 years due to re-apportionment. A highlight of Bills Senate career was the passage of the Trauma Center Designation bill, co-sponsored by State Rep. Linda Cox (D-Ft. Lauderdale). 

Other career accomplishments include President of Florida State association of County Commissioners; President appointee for two 3-year terms on the National Highway and Motor Vehicle Safety Committee; Blue Ribbon Transportation Committee (appointed by Governor Reuben Askew); and he was elected to the Electoral College for the election of president Eisenhower. 
 
 In 1984, at the age of 67, Bill received his B. S. Degree in Public Administration from Nova University, Davie. Bill was a proud member of the J.D. Hawkins Lodge in Oakland Park, receiving his 60 year membership pin in 2009. He belonged to the 33rd Scottish Rite and served as their Grand Master. Bill was the recipient of many awards for his service to Broward County and the Republican Party.

Note: This information was compiled with assistance from the Oakland Park Historical Society, the Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library research desk and public records.