Central Park's origins date back to 1868, when J. Frank Reichart laid out a race course north of the Allentown-Bethlehem Turnpike at present-day Hanover Avenue in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which opened for trotting and pacing from May to August.

[1] When the Allentown and Bethlehem Rapid Traction Company took ownership of the area from Thomas Ritter, it was renamed The Greater Central Park.

It was built in a wooded area with picnic groves, walking paths, a few amusements, theaters and food stands.

[1] The park was home to three roller coasters, including Derby Racer (1912-1950), Skyclone (1927-1951), and Sleigh Ride (1924-1951).

A few abandoned concrete footings remain in wooded areas intermixed between clearings and homes and buildings which now exist on the site.