The Tilly family, who originally owned the land, gave it to the New York City government for park operation in 1908.

After a period of decline in the late 20th century, Tilly Park and its pond were renovated several times.

[1][12] The next year, the city approved the acquisition of 3.216 acres (1.301 ha) of land to expand Upland Park.

[15] The next year, Goose Pond was drained due to construction of Jamaica High School across the street.

However, community members objected to the excessive amounts that would be disbursed to affected landowners,[17][18] since residents near the park would have to pay extra taxes.

[24][25] In conjunction with this renaming, the park was renovated with new benches and lamps, improved landscaping, and deepening of Goose Pond.

[30] The park was finally renovated starting in 1980; the cleanup consisted of planting new trees, installing benches and lighting, cleaning the ponds, repaving the paths, and replacing the playground.

[8] The newly renovated park fell into disrepair, becoming "a haven for vandals and drug dealers", as the New York Daily News reported in July 1981.

At the time, the pond contained algal blooms caused by the stagnant water, which in turn killed its fish.

About six weeks later, 120 fish were found dead, all but one of which were goldfish, which had not been introduced into the pond by NYC Parks.

[33] However, residents reported increased algal blooms shortly afterward: though NYC Parks attributed the algal blooms and dead fish to the unusually warm weather,[5] some residents demanded an investigation of the renovation project.