Discover Carroll Park in Brooklyn
Carroll Park, also known as Carroll Gardens, was initially established in the 19th century as a private garden. But since this time it has transformed into one of Brooklyn’s most historic public spaces. The park’s strategic location—spanning the block between Court, Smith, Carroll, and President Streets—ensured that it quickly became a pivotal part of the community’s social fabric. Besides its location the park has large lawns (covering nearly 1.9 acres), different games and play areas, pathways lined by classic brownstones, and a tendency to host local farmers’ markets—there are plenty of reasons to visit Carroll Park.
Carroll Park in the 19th Century
Private Garden to Public Park
Originally conceived as a private garden in the late 1840s, Carroll Park was designed by surveyor Richard Butt as part of a visionary plan to enhance the front gardens of the neighborhood’s brownstone homes. A unique city ordinance even mandated generous setbacks between buildings and the street, ensuring that spacious, verdant courtyards would become a hallmark of the area.
In 1853, the City of Brooklyn acquired the private garden and it became a public park. It was aptly named in honor of Charles Carroll, a revered American Revolutionary War hero and the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.
By the 1870s, Carroll Park had begun to evolve with essential upgrades like an effective drainage system, newly laid walkways, and a dedicated playground. These early improvements not only made the park more accessible but also established it as a central gathering place for families and neighbors.
Carroll Park in the 20th Century
Community Divides and Infrastructure Changes
The early 20th century brought its own challenges and changes. As Italian immigrants became increasingly prominent—especially among dock workers and Navy Yard employees—the neighborhood experienced a cultural shift that even sparked friendly rivalries. Children in the area were playfully divided into “Hookers” and “Creekers,” reflecting an informal rivalry between those from different parts of the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, major infrastructure projects spearheaded by urban planner Robert Moses, such as the construction of the Brooklyn-Queens and Gowanus Expressways, gradually redefined neighborhood boundaries. These projects not only separated Carroll Park from neighboring Red Hook but also helped to carve out a distinct identity for the park and its community.
By the 1960s, gentrification began to reshape the area as young professionals and families moved in. And in the mid-70s, organizations such as the Committee to Improve Carroll Park, further propelled local improvements and helped to end decades of political machine dominance.
One particularly significant improvement plan was carried out in 1994, backed by a $1.3 million investment, which introduced updated gardens, reconfigured play spaces, and other aesthetically pleasing design elements like decorative cast iron gates and period-inspired fencing.
Carroll Park in the 21st Century
Embracing Change Without Losing Character
Clearly Carroll Park has long been a place of deep cultural heritage in Brooklyn, and that remains as true as ever. Although the once-dominant Italian population has declined—from 52 percent in 1980 to 22 percent in 2012—the neighborhood still proudly upholds its Italian traditions. From bocce games in the park to the seasonal processions celebrating age-old religious customs, the park continues to echo the spirit of its immigrant past.
In recent years, a growing French community has added a new layer to the local flavor, earning parts of the neighborhood nicknames like “Little France” or “Little Paris.” Annual Bastille Day celebrations and dual-language programs in local schools have injected fresh energy into the area, proving that Carroll Park is not only a link to the past but remains a place where new cultures can still flourish today.
Exploring the Carroll Park Area
The Carroll Park neighborhood contains several historic sites:
The John Rankin House
Built around 1840 in a Greek Revival style, the John Rankin House is a once-grand residence with sweeping views of Upper New York Bay. Today, it’s celebrated as a New York City landmark and stands as a proud relic of Brooklyn’s early days.
Religious Structures
Wander through the area and you’ll find several impressive religious structures. The South Congregational Church Complex (originally featuring an Early Romanesque Revival church, chapel, and neo-Gothic rectory) has gracefully transformed into modern condominium apartments.
Nearby, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church—designed in the Victorian Gothic style by Richard Upjohn & Son—is another architectural wonder in the neighborhood.
Other Structures
From the Gothic Revival-inspired Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and St. Stephen’s Church (once known simply as St. Stephen’s) to the Westminster Presbyterian Church—later a beloved Norwegian Seaman’s Church—the area is dotted with buildings that tell tales of old Brooklyn. St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, renowned for its Italian and European stonework and even a famous marriage involving Al Capone, also highlights the area’s Italian roots.
P.s. Discover Dennett Place—a charming mews tucked between Court and Smith Streets—and don’t miss the Louis Valentino, Jr. Ballfield, named in honor of a local hero.
Things to Do at Carroll Park
There is no end to the highlights of an afternoon at Carroll Park. Here are some of the activities on offer:
- Playground: Children can explore a playground designed with separate zones for toddlers and older kids. With swings, slides, climbing structures, and a generous sandbox, it’s the perfect place for imaginative play.
- Splash Showers: On hot summer days, the park’s sprayground offers a delightful water play area where kids can cool off amidst fountains and jets.
- Story Time Under the Trees: Bring a picnic blanket, grab a book from the nearby Books Are Magic, and settle in for an enchanting outdoor story time.
- Carroll Gardens Garden Club: Join the Carroll Gardens Garden Club for a chance to learn about local flora and even try your hand at some gardening.
- Appreciate the Art: Explore rotating exhibits at the Carroll Gardens Library’s art gallery, showcasing creative works by local artists.
- Paws & Play: Enjoy the dog-walking hours, where stylish pooches and their proud owners add an extra dose of fun to your stroll.
Visiting Carroll Park
No matter where you’re coming from, getting to Carroll Park is easy:
- By Subway: The park is serviced by F, G, and R Trains. For the F Train get off at Carroll Street, then stroll a couple of blocks west and a few north. For the G Train exit at Court Street and walk a short distance to the park. And if you’re taking the R Train hop off at Union Street and head a couple of blocks west before turning north.
- By Bike: With access via major bike routes like the Brooklyn Bridge and Gowanus Canal Greenways, cyclists can easily pedal their way to this urban oasis.
- By Car: Street parking is available, though weekends might require a bit of patience.
Explore Beyond Carroll Park with CityDays
If you want to delve deeper into New York City's rich culture, why not embark on a CityDays Scavenger Hunt?
These scavenger hunts cover the history of their respective areas whilst un-covering incredible landmarks along the way, which we think you’ll enjoy!
Scavenger Hunt tours are a great way to bring family and friends—or even dates and colleagues—together for an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
For more information about our New York Hunts then click here: NYC Scavenger & Treasure Hunts | CityDays.
