The property that now hosts the park was formerly part of the St. Mary of the Angels Convent, operated by the Sisters of St. Francis at that location since 1923.

[1] The property was acquired by the Town of Amherst and New York State in January 2000, after both entities evenly split the $5 million price to purchase the former convent and surrounding area.

Under an agreement with the state, the town is responsible for managing the property for the purpose of conservation and to make space available for passive recreation.

[1] The convent's former motherhouse complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

[2] It was approved for sale by the town in November 2002, with the intent to allow development of a 102-unit senior housing facility, and is not included in the park.