When the original town plan was surveyed in 1885, Elliot Galt ensured the area was reserved as parkland.

As the central business district of Lethbridge sprung up around the land, which had come to be known as The Square, the citizens began using it as their own, and it served as the location for most town fairs and sports events.

In 1909, Elliot and John Galt donated the land to the city to be held in perpetuity as parkland.

The park was named Galt Gardens in their honour and it was the cultural focal point of the city for many years.

The panhandling and related activities drove people away from the park, and eventually citizens brought the issues to the attention of Lethbridge City Council, which subsequently tightened some bylaws.