
Hostetler Park was created when L Street had to be moved after the 1964 earthquake and a small space was created for a park. The park was dedicated in 1967 and additional property was purchased in 1974 for a parking lot. The park was named for a former city councilman.
In 1994, the organization Victims for Justice requested the use of Hostetler Park to create the Alaska Victims' Memorial, which recognizes victims of homicide. In 2001, Victims for Justice requested permission to enlarge the monument as it was almost already full.