The gardens were created from a disused gravel pit, purchased in 1927 and designed and laid out between 1928 and 1931 by the local authority under the guidance of Park Superintendent, William MacDonald Campbell.
The park was created at a time of rapid expansion of the residential areas of West London and therefore a perceived need to provide open spaces for public recreation and health. The alpine rockery is a unique feature in London and perhaps in the whole of the southeast of England.