The park is named after Henry W. O'Melveny, who founded one of Los Angeles' oldest law firms, O'Melveny & Myers, which represented many early Los Angeles founder and developer families, and in 1927 was one of the original members of the California State Parks Commission.

[2] During the 2025 Southern California Wildfires, the park was affected by the Archer Fire which started on January 10 at 11:24 a.m. and spread to 19 acres (7.7 ha).

Under erratic wind conditions, the fire threatened to spread into the main part of the park as well as the surrounding neighborhood which was immediately placed under evacuation orders.

[4] About a half hour after its ignition, forward progress was quickly halted by firefighters, aided by water-dropping helicopters, and the evacuation orders were revised to warnings before being lifted by 1:44 p.m.[5][6][7][8] The fire was halted at 19 acres (7.7 ha) and spread on the light to medium brush over the hills to the east of the main park area and north of the parking lot, but no structures were damaged.

It provides large grassy areas, picnic tables, and is known for its hiking and horse trails and the views they lead to.