Kings Park had its origins for recreational use in 1872 when 432 acres of bush was set aside for a public park on Mt Eliza. This was enlarged to 980 acres in 1890. The area was officially opened as a park by John Forrest in 1895. Members were appointed to the newly created Kings Park Board in 1896.

The Kings Park Board ceased to exist on 1 July 1999 when it became the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority