In 2006, then-director Roland Zimmerman wa asked by Seneca County Commissioner Dave Sauber if the 5.5 acres of county property along Willow Creek could be developed into a nature preserve. The federal government, through HUD, had given the property to the county with the restriction that a natural area could be its only use. Prelinimary plans were in place through the leadership from neighboring Autumwood Care Center.
The nature preserve was cooperatively designed as a disability-accessible area. Funding through an Access to Recreation grant allowed further development in 2008-2009.
The park was named for former director, Roland Zimmerman in recognition of his dedication to the county parks and people with disabilities.
