The tract of land, part of a larger parcel Ladd used to generate "one of the most prestigious stock farms in the West", later became too valuable for agricultural use.

A comfort station building was built in 1914, and the following year a series of paths and sidewalks were lit by electric lights.

[2] The Portland Rose Festival Queen's Coronation used to take place in the park pond "on floating boats and decorated rafts", drawing thousands of visitors.

Murky water problems prompted Portland Parks & Recreation to attempt reducing the duck population, though an "adopt-a-duck" program was unsuccessful as the birds proved to be too difficult to catch.

In response, Portland City Council allocated funds to dredge the lake and install a water aeration and circulation system.

[11] In February 2010 a man was reportedly held at gunpoint in northeast Portland, forced to drive to Laurelhurst Park, then beaten and sexually assaulted.