On September 27, 1982 the Plan Commission proposed a neighborhood park northeast of the intersection of Sitka St. and Ontario Road extended.
July 26, 1983 - A 40-acre site was scribed on the Official City Map. After it was appraised and an offer to purchase was turned down with a counteroffer, on June 18, 1985 the Council adopted a resolution declaring a necessity to acquire this property and a Jurisdiction Offer was made for $100,000. Final purchase was made June 24, 1986 with $50,000 received in matching funds.
November 1986, the park was named for Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who died in the space program.
1988 - Funds were approved in the budget for site preparation and preliminary development.