The land was first leased from the Navy in 1979. A decade later, then-Councilwoman Tillie Fowler (later U.S. Representative) began to push hard to develop the land. Remnants of a 16-foot wide brick road links Ortega to Jacksonville and can be found at several locations in the park. The road pre-dates 1917 but was heavily used when Camp Johnston was built as part of the preparations to train American troops during World War I. In September 1996, the observation tower, nature center and outdoor classroom were dedicated. In 2005, the park was renamed for Tillie K. Fowler. A woman of impeccable grace and civility, she tenaciously advocated on behalf of issues important to the City of Jacksonville and on behalf of the needs of the United States Armed Forces, particularly the U.S. Navy. An entry sign into the park now bears her name and honors her efforts. In more recent years, the park has improved and expanded the hiking and off-road bike trails as well as added a dog park and kayak launch.
