the ary barroso park was opened in 1964 and it was named after ary barroso, one of brazil's most successful songwriters in the first half of the 20th century.

the park occupies an area of about 50,000 square meters (59799 yards) and is located at the penha circular neighborhood, next to the railway, in what used to be the old farm das palmeiras, in the zona norte (north zone) of rio de janeiro.

in 1868 the land was bought by portuguese entrepreneur francisco lobo júnior, a big force behind the urban development of the area. it was one of the first parks to be opened in the suburbs of rio, and it soon became the main point of attraction and recreation of the  region.