A large portion of the area of the west bank of today's Merkez Park was a citrus garden.

On the east bank, there was a neighborhood of shanty homes and a large area of vacant land.

The idea to create a large urban park on the banks of the Seyhan River was first included in the city plan in 1988 by the mayor, Aytaç Durak.

Named Merkez Park, it was planned to be built in an area from north of D-400 State road to the old dam.

He had to modify the original plan of Merkez Park due to the constructions in the project area.

During this period, the Sinanpaşa footbridge was built to connect both banks of the Seyhan River.

Before the construction of Merkez Park, a citywide recreational pathway was completed on both banks of the Seyhan River.

The gas station next to the Archaeology Museum was moved to another location and the park was extended towards Sabancı Mosque.

Merkez Park is well landscaped and carries a wide variety of trees and plants in an open concept.