From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Jan. 26, 1972:

Douglas County had been awarded federal recreation funds amounting to $40,487 for the improvement of the Wells Park site, which was then about four miles southeast of the Lawrence city limits. The 16-acre hilltop area had been donated to the county by William Wells of Topeka in 1970 on the conditions that it be used as a public park and that the natural environment be preserved as much as possible. The grant, which was to be matched by local funds, was for the construction of an observation tower overlooking the Wakarusa and Kansas River valleys as well as a group shelter, picnic sites and an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 150. Fencing, nature trails, restrooms, parking areas, and a children’s play area were also to be included.