The history of Reid Park is deeply intertwined with Irwin Creek. Former and current residents recall how the creek occupied an important backdrop in their daily lives. In the early days, residents who could not access well water would use one of the creek’s springs to procure water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It further served as an important place for recreation; residents would fish in the deeper pools, while children, who could not access the nearby whites-only swimming pools, would play in the creek to keep cool. Local churches would use Irwin Creek to perform baptisms, further solidifying the creek's waters as an integral part of the Reid Park community. Despite the risky nature of the creek and its penchant for pollution, the creek remained a centerpiece for the residents.