The park was built in the early 1960s on what had been the Munro farm, next to neighbouring General Vanier Public School.
The Riverside Park Community and Recreation Association organized fireworks displays for over twenty years until changes in safety legislation required its removal to a larger area.
The city of Ottawa operates and staffs the wading pool during the summer season.
In the winter, a temporary skating rink, with boards, is set up in the park.
Volunteers from the Riverside Park Community and Recreation Association take care of the ice during the season.