After tremendous pressure from Nutley residents, Essex County began purchasing land in 1911 for creation of the park.

In 1962, the lake, containing a small island[1] was drained and a channel was dug as a continuation of the natural Third River from the south.

It also includes the Frank A. Cocchiola Memorial Playground, completed in 2003 and dedicated on April 17, 2006.

[3] The park has a rubberized safety surface and equipment manufactured by GameTime.

Gym classes from adjacent Nutley High School are commonly seen running through the park.