Mrs. Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow, a granddaughter of John Macarthur, gifted the tranquil oasis of Macarthur Park to the people of Camden in 1905. It is named Macarthur Park in honour of Elizabeth's father James Macarthur.The park's original area was 6 acres. Camden Council holds the land in trust for the people of Camden in perpetuity, on the condition the land remains a public park.
Two palm trees planted at the official opening on 10th October 1906, at which Mrs. Macarthur-Onslow officiated, can be seen on either side of the main entrance in Menangle Road.
The park is home to Camden's War Memorial and the Faithfull-Anderson Fountain which once stood, where the roundabout is now, at the intersection of John and Argyle St. The Park is well know for its Heritage Rose Garden.
In 1905 Camden was a rural village and the land for the park was at the perimeter of residential blocks. The forethought used in donating the park has ensured the people of Camden can still enjoy the rural atmosphere of the past that the park engenders.