This particular park site was identified in a Plan Commission Long Range Analysis Report, October 1972, as a future location for a neighborhood park/school site. In May of 1978, the Plan Commission recommended to the Council that the Board of Park Commissioners and the Board of Education work together to purchase approximately 26 acres north of West Mason Street and west of LaCount Road as a potential site. This was approved June 6, 1978.
In June of 1979, the Board of Education declined to participate in the purchase of park/school land at this time stating that other sites are sufficient for elementary schools but recommended that land be purchased for the park. Therefore, the Council approved a recommendation of the Plan Commission and Finance Committee to acquire property before it had to be relinquished for private development. Director Chet Miller was given authority to proceed in securing matching LAWCON funds for this acquisition. Twenty-one acres were purchased on September 26, 1980 for $189,000, and 50% matching funds were received.
March 4, 1981 - The park was named to honor former Park Superintendent Ted Fritsch. Funds for preliminary development were put in the 1986 and 1987 bond issues.
1990 - A playground program was established.
2007 - The Park Committee approved the request by PDH, Inc to place a cellular phone tower in the park.