Once upon a time, Carroll Park was privately owned by Eugene Carroll. He was a brick maker and developer. Now, Carroll Park occupies one square block in West Philadelphia.
Carroll Park dates back to the late 18th century. Eugene Carroll constructed numerous row houses and the square by 1910. The park is named after him.
The park has a central fountain. It is surrounded by lawns and tall trees. The park’s most recent addition is a playground. There is also a sprayground and signage that were installed last year.
In the 1920s Carroll Park was a community meeting place. Young people socialized there. They would sit on benches and court one another.
The city acquired the property in the 1950s. Landscape architect Allyn R. Jennings updated the square’s plantings in 1954.
In 1997, the Carroll Park Neighbors group was formed. This group revitalized the park. They installed playground equipment and maintained flowers and shrubs.
The Carroll Park Neighbors also do much more than just clean. The group influences the West Philadelphia community.
Racial inequality was once an issue in the neighborhood. In the 1940s it was not easy being black in Carroll Park. One resident recalls being chased like an animal.
After 11 years, the Carroll Park Neighbors finished the park’s revitalization in 2010. The final addition was a much-needed tool shed.
Since the completion of the park renovation, the Carroll Park Neighbors’ mission has shifted. They now focus on maintaining it. They also provide free programs for the neighborhood.
They offer events like a garden club. There is also a summer concert series. A free faith-based summer camp is available to the community.
Carroll Park is also among the first cohort of qualifying sites for Rebuild. Rebuild is the city’s initiative to invest hundreds of millions of dollars. The money is used to revitalize neighborhood parks, recreation centers, playgrounds, and libraries across Philadelphia.
Cheri Harrison is part of a group of neighbors. They have been working to start a new Park Friends Group for Carroll Park. They host monthly meetings to schedule events. They also discuss concerns and ideas about the park.
Harrison wants to host kid-friendly events. She also wants to make it fun for adults who want to come, too. She envisions Carroll Park as the epicenter of social events in the neighborhood.
Carroll Park has come a long way. It is now a place of community and hope. The neighbors are believers in the park. They are dedicated to making it a great place for everyone.