In the early '90s the Shoot the Chutes ride was built, the first thriller of its kind used in a local amusement place. There were wooded spots of picnickers and boating, as well as the usual concessions.
The area was originally part of the Porter farm. The Rev. James Porter, his wife and son migrated here from Nashville, Tenn., in 1832, bringing horses, cattle, hogs and 25 to 30 Negro servants.
At what is now the corner of 27th and Tracy, Mr. Porter and his servants began construction of their future home. A sturdy 1 1/2-story log home with five rooms was built, with a kitchen 8 or 10 feet away. Servants' quarters were nearby, each head of a family having his own cabin.
For several generations the site and home was preserved by descendants of Mr. Porter.
Troost Park was purchased by the city in 1902 and still contains the 3 1/2-acre lake and a Mormon marker at the south end of the lake. The marker indicates the site where Joseph Smith and 11 of his followers of the Colesville branch met and camped, in August, 1831. A log was laid for the first house and school as a foundation of Zion in Kaw township.