In 1870, Thorsten Lee homesteaded what is now part of McHardy Park. In 1972, owners Dr. Bryson and Hazel McHardy donated 35.85 acres of that land to Brandon Lions Club for park development. In 1973, lacking funds, the Lion's turned the property over to Minnehaha County and McHardy Park became the county's first developed park. In 1977 the park was annexed into the Brandon city limits. The National Guard built a 50-foot tower overlooking the park in 1983, and the tower became a landmark. Through the years, the McHardys donated additional parcels of land, bringing the total to 74 acres. The Brandon Lions Club played a significant role in developing the park to include a footbridge, shelters, picnic tables, parking, and playground equipment. In January of 2001, the county deeded the park to the city of Brandon.