The park is named in memory of Donald McLean who, as Native Minister and Government Land Commissioner, purchased a large block of land from local Maori in the early days of European settlement in this area.
In 1905, a trust was formed to establish a memorial to Sir Donald McLean and to that end, ten acres was purchased for recreational purposes - the future McLean Park. In its early years, the Highland Society was very strong and the park was mainly used for highland games and athletic events.