The site of the People's Park was originally a marshland which John's River ran through, however in 1857 the river was diverted, and the marshland drained to make way for the construction of the park.

The park hosted Ireland's first ever velodrome, known as the Goff cycle track, from 1891.

[citation needed] The former caretaker's house, at the gate of the park, was renovated, and a small extension added, with the Park Lodge café now occupying the structure.

In May 2011, the Victorian bandstand was vandalised, with the structure pulled down and many of the ornate wrought iron railings surrounding it being damaged.

[3] The damage was promptly repaired by the engineering department of Waterford City Council.