​In 1951, Mary and Charles Curran purchased a 7.33 acre parcel of land and transformed it into an apple orchard with 250 Gravenstein, McIntosh, and Golden Delicious apple trees that quickly became a popular local landmark. ​The Curran’s two horses, Brewster and Christopher, also enjoyed visits from local children (pictured above). Many residents have fond memories of visiting the orchard for apples and cider.​​ 

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During the early 1990s, developers approached the Currans about selling their land for housing. The community rallied to obtain a Pierce County Conservation Futures Grant to preserve the orchard as a park along with purchasing the house. In 1993, the University Place Community Council successfully obtained Conservation Futures funds from Pierce County to preserve the orchard forever as a park. After incorporation, the City took over the park with assistance from the CORE (Curran Orchard Resource Enthusiasts) volunteer group.​

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Today, CORE continues their efforts in working with the City of University Place to develop the orchard into an “urban, edible” outdoor classroom.​ The orchard brings together our community through various activities such as the Adopt-A-Tree program, summer concerts, school tours, community harvest day, and the annual cider squeeze. ​​​With support from the City of University Place, volunteers and the community continues to care for and appreciate one of our local gems!