Although the land the park is on is owned by the county, permission was given in 1924 for a park but it wasn't built until the 1940s. In May of 1942 the community was asked to volunteer to clear ground for a park across the road from the Chimacum Grange Hall. "Public spirited citizens attending should bring basket lunches and tools with which to carry on the work." Timber was cut and provided for the erection of a park kitchen and the area generally cleaned up. Some of those on the committee in charge were Hugh Nesbitt, county commissioner, Gus Erickson, grange master; Dave Bengston, Mrs. Oscar Erickson and Mrs. Forrest Horton.

A labor day event that year had 67 men, women and children assembling, armed with various improvements and beatifying the grounds. The Bishop farm was represented by William & Stephen Bishop their wives and children, others arrived providing equipment and wood. At one time the park included all of the corner of West Valley Road and Rhody drive but in 1977 the Tri Area Community Center was built on the corner of Rhody Drive and West Valley Road. Currently, the building is available for meetings, provides senior meals, and houses the food bank.

At one time Noquiklos the dragon a sculpture by Sarah Mall Johani was at the park where the Olympic Wild Salmon Festival was held but it was later moved to H.J. Carroll Park. The Wild Olympic Salmon organization also has a picnic shelter at H.J. Carroll. I remember as a child in the 1950s going to the county dump which was located behind where the park is, but I don't really remember the park, although I attended Chimacum School through 3rd grade.

When my sister-in-law first came to the northwest from Minnesota in the 1970s she and a friend spend their first night in a tent at this campground, glad to find somewhere they could afford.[free].

Unfortunately because of budget cuts the campground is indefinitely closed. The Jefferson County Parks and Recreation manager Matt Tyler is currently seeking partners to help re-open it. There is however a picnic shelter with one grill and three picnic tables, but the toilets are closed and the water is currently off, so bring your own. The beautiful primitive trail in a forest environment is a great place for dog walkers.

Next: Oak Bay Park and Campground.