There was a species of minnow at a local parks manmade pond that I could never ID. I saw them at a petstore as feeders, but they couldn't help either.

They are cold hardy, faded orange/pink in colour, definately carp like only the largest I saw were 2.5", and quick as darts unlike any goldfish I've come across.
I believe they had a "hairy" chin, not your standard barbels.

I'd like to introduce some, but would like to know more about them before I do. Thanks for any help.

sounds like rosie red fatheads. Look at this

http://andersonminnows.com/fish_farm_species.htm

That's them, thanks! Will research, but looks like worth introducing.