Springbank Park was originally developed around the site of a waterworks facility in the late 1800s. Alderman James Egan suggested the nearby Hungerford Hill, now commonly known as "Reservoir Hill". In the years following the creation of the waterworks the city began to purchase more land in the surrounding area and the spot became a resort serviced by steamers to and from London via the Thames River.

On May 24, 1881 the steamer "Victoria" capsized killing 182 people which instantly cut steamer travel along the Thames and scaled back the popularity of the waterworks grounds. Afterwards the grounds could still be reached by carriage and eventually horse drawn bus but interest would not recover for years.

During the year 1896 the London Street Railway constructed and began service of a street car system to take people to and from the Springbank Park in record amounts.

In the years to follow the additions to the Park would include tennis and bowling lawns, zoo, campground, amusement park and a dance hall all before 1925.

As time passed on London grew around the park; about 1920 a miniature train was added as an attraction, and as of May 2008 it still existed, although relocated and replaced.

Source:Wapedia.com