The park contains many amenities, including a café, children's playground and football pitch, as well as a statue of Sir Robert Ferguson.

The institute was made possible by John Gwyn, a local linen merchant, who bequeathed £40,000 (over £4.5 million in 2021) in his will to the establishment of an orphanage.

James Hood Brooke died in 1865, and in his will bequeathed £9,100 (over £1 million in 2021) to the establishment of a park that would be maintained in perpetuity for the citizens of Derry.

In 1903 King Edward VII visited the park along with his wife, Queen Alexandria, and took part in a tree planting ceremony.

The army moved in and the park was largely closed to the public and the Gwyn building was the frequent target of the IRA.