Known to the Lenape Native Americans as Mentipathe, Cromwell Creek originated in Morris Heights and flowed south towards Harlem River.

By 1838 residents along the riverbank questioned the private usurpation of the public waterway and a campaign to remove Macomb's Dam succeeded in its demolition in 1858.

On the site of Mill Pond Park, Mayor John F. Hylan proposed a wholesale market to concentrate all farm produce entering the Bronx at one location.

At the northern side of the park is the historic Power house, constructed in 1923 to provide refrigeration for Bronx Terminal Market.

Retrofitted with a green rooftop, the energy efficient facility contains offices, public restrooms, indoor café, tennis clubhouse and locker room.