The Rosedale Community Council, formed in 1951, was dedicated to bringing more recreational facilities to Hamilton's east end. Their hard work and commitment paid off when, on March 31, 1959, the land for Rosedale Park was turned over to the Parks Board. An arena (opened in 1973) was intended to become part of a sports complex for the area, and there was much excitement in the Rosedale area upon its long-awaited opening. Rosedale community residents had been meeting with city officials for more than 10 years in negotiations about the desired arena.
Next to the Rosedale Arena is the King's Forest Tennis Club, which was built not long after the arena itself. The tennis club was another step towards the sports complex which was designed to be built in the Rosedale area. The opening of the tennis club brought happiness to many members of the surrounding neighbourhood, who would no longer have to travel far when they wanted to play tennis.
Redevelopment of the Rosedale site took place in 1985, and the park was named Rosedale Park, for its location near the arena and in the Rosedale neighbourhood.