Whitman Park has long been a cornerstone of Grand Junction, from its early days as Maple Park to its current transformation. Get our free mobile appThe History of Whitman Park: From Maple Park to Community GemGrand Junction's Whitman Park Google Street View loading... Built as part of Grand Junction's original plat in 1881, Whitman Park was originally named Maple Park. Whitman Park Today: Challenges and Renovation PlansIn 2023, the city of Grand Junction closed Whitman Park to address issues related to homelessness and to plan for renovations. History Lesson: Watson Island in Grand Junction Used to Be a Dump Watson Island in Grand Junction wasn't always so scenic, it actually used to be a dump.