rumored to have been an ancient indian burial site, before the arrival of the europeans, the slope was given the name the 'catacumba', which shrouded the area in mystery.

unfazed by the legends, its first use during colonial times was as a ranch, which is how it stayed until the early twentieth century, when a favela began to develop, predominantly due to the influx of northeastern immigrants to the area. during the growth of the favela, the native rainforest, which had once dominated the region, was slowly eroded to make way for housing.

however, a decision was made, in 1970, to remove the favela, and to develop the entire lagoa neighborhood, which included the reforestation of the region, and the formulation of the park. with the reforestation of the area, the native ecology began to flourish, making the park rich in native flora and fauna.