Opened on August 7, 1982, the park features trails, boardwalks, an interpretive center, a sanctuary for birds of prey, a playground,[1] a butterfly garden and turtle pond,[2] and the man-made lake for which the park is named.

[4] The lake for which the park is named was a result of the construction of the nearby U.S. Route 19 in the early 20th century, when engineers removed large amounts of dirt to build an embankment to form an overpass between Florida State Road 590 and Drew Street; the pit that remained filled with rainwater and became Moccasin Lake.

[5][6] In 1983, analysis of water samples taken from Moccasin Lake found deficient levels of oxygen, which can lead to fish kill.

[7] In May 1984, the City of Clearwater installed a $2,000 water aeration system to increase the lake's oxygen levels.

[7] Located in the park is Moccasin Lake Raptor Sanctuary, an area that houses various injured, human-dependent, or otherwise non-releasable birds of prey in enclosures.