Attracted by its natural beauty and wildlife, philanthropist George W. Childs purchased this land in 1892 and developed a public park because he believed everyone, not just wealthy landowners, should be able to experience and appreciate being outdoors. He designed the park to highlight and enhance the natural and man-made amenities found here. George W. Childs, who earned his fortune as publisher of the Philadelphia Public Ledger, left a capstone boulder inscribed with the park name and founding year that still welcomes visitors.
