The park was developed in the 1930s by Dr. George A. Allen as a bird sanctuary and later became the subject of local folklore, with myths suggesting it was inhabited by small, secretive people.

Contrary to local legends suggesting the area was designed for hobbits or little people, the homes were actually one- and two-bedroom apartments intended for professors, students, artists, and even patients attended to by Dr.

[1][2] The park includes handcrafted stone light posts and mosaics with sayings such as "The night has a thousand eyes" and "List to nature's teachings."

[3] The urban legend of “Hobbitville” emerged over time, with stories suggesting that the park was inhabited by small, secretive people who discouraged intruders.

[8] In 2023, Salt Lake City Public Lands released an adaptive reuse and management plan for Allen Park, outlining the preservation of historical elements and the introduction of new educational opportunities.