This green space and children's play area once served as a shaded school yard around the town's high school. The 8th Street School was built in 1882 and later served as the local elementary school until it was destroyed by fire in 1956. The park was named in honor of Mayor Robert E. Brown because of his efforts to secure a state grant to rejuvenate the space and because the Watsontown Borough Council wished to recognize his community spirit and involvement. Brown served Watsontown as an active member of the West Branch Volunteer Fire Co. from 1955 to 2009, Watsontown Masonic Lodge #401 F&AM from 1968 to 2009, and Watsontown Lions Club from 1981 to 2009; as a life member of the Clyde F. Mowrer American Legion Post #323; as an elder of First Presbyterian Church; on Watsontown Borough Council from 1980 to 1984; and as Watsontown mayor from 1986 to 2009.