The park was created around 1999 after demolition of the Ohio Penitentiary, as a recreation area for residents of the surrounding Arena District.

In 1999, the park was named for Dimon R. McFerson and the Union Station arch was installed in its current location.

The park was developed by Nationwide Insurance after demolition of the Ohio Penitentiary, which occupied the site and surrounding area from 1834 to 1998.

[4] The structure consists of a recessed semicircular arch flanked by four fluted round Corinthian columns.

[5] By 6 pm on the next day, a temporary restraining order secured by the Ohio Historical Society halted the demolition.