Carroll Park Neighborhood Association

Carroll Park Neighborhood Association

NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES

A Carroll Park neighborhood association has existed for years, and residents join together for an annual potluck picnic, holiday parties, and on the rare occasion that something threatens to impinge on the historic significance or peacefulness of the Park.

Unlike other historic districts, home tours are not routinely offered: There doesn’t appear to have been one since July 1982, when the Park was initially designated a historic district. Carroll Park residents are immensely proud of their homes, but understandably, do little to disturb the peacefulness of their idyllic community. Carroll Park is a well kept secret.

A TREASURED HISTORIC DISTRICT

Carroll Park was built at the turn of the century by John Carroll, and was the first planned housing tract in Long Beach, California. The Park was designated a Historic Landmark District in 1982, just shortly after the City recognized the need to preserve Long Beach’s treasured communities.*

* If you are further interested in learning about Carroll Park and historic areas, see “A History of John Carroll and Carroll Park”, By Roberta A. Nichols (http://www.longbeach.gov/plan/hpd/carroll_park.asp)

LIVING IN CARROLL PARK

The Park’s unique circular layout gives it a seclusion that is unlike any other historic district in Long Beach. (See map, http://www.longbeach.gov/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=5344]

One must intentionally enter into Carroll Park to access the Park's inner circle, and upon doing so, immediately feels a sense of reprieve – that one has escaped into a kinder, gentler era.

Carroll Park is a residential neighborhood of single family and duplex homes, some modest, some quite impressive, but all well maintained. There are no businesses within the Park. The Park boasts a wide variety of historic architectural styles, old-growth trees, and narrow streets that wind around the four grassy islands that anchor the Park’s inner circle.

The streets were built for horse and buggy, so traffic is naturally deterred. Historians indicate that the Park was planned in this circular fashion with its complex maze of streets to deter the farm and ranch wagons on their way to town. The horses and wagons are gone, but the Park continues to enjoy the absence of through traffic.

Carroll Park attracts walkers from many of the neighboring Bluff Heights communities. Two churches sit adjacent to the Park – maybe their leaders were drawn to the sense of peace that the Park exudes. On Sundays, a local group practices Tai Chai in one of the Park’s grassy islands. Throughout the year, residents enjoy the mild microclimate of Bluff Park, and an evening on the front porch rewards them with lovely ocean breezes and beautiful California sunsets. Since the Park is sheltered from the drone of through traffic – residents are fortunate to wake to the pleasant sound of birds greeting the day and to retire at night with the sounds of crickets and the distant low of ships as they approach the harbor.

The Park abounds with birds and squirrels and dogs that seem to live in complete harmony. For several years, the kind-hearted residents took it upon themselves to nurture (and neuter) several bunnies that someone had callously abandoned in the Park. A cruel thing to do – but maybe the person who did so knew the magic of the Park and felt it a safe haven for the little critters. Recently, a couple of ducks decided to take a break on their flight south and spend some time in one of the resident's swimming pool -- you can be sure they've already made reservations for another visit on next year’s trip south).

A Carroll Park neighborhood association has existed for years, and residents join together for an annual potluck picnic or on the rare occasion that something threatens to impinge on the historic significance or peacefulness of the Park. Unlike other historic districts, home tours are not routinely offered: There doesn’t appear to have been one since July 1982, when the Park was initially designated a historic district. Carroll Park residents are immensely proud of their homes, but understandably, do little to disturb the peacefulness of their idyllic community. Carroll Park is a well kept secret.

A marriage ceremony recently held in the park offers insight into the Carroll Park sense of community. The bride and groom, like most residents, feel a strong sense of identity with the Park, and chose to have the ceremony in one of the grassy islands to celebrate the happiness that living here has brought them. The bride and bridesmaids wore colorful saris and charmed the guests with personal anecdotes, Cambodian dancers, and a gong that was sounded at significant moments. After the ceremony, the wedding party marched around the Park’s inner circle with colorful Balinese umbrellas and festive noisemakers (made by Park residents at a craft night the previous week).

The wedding march was a highly symbolic gesture that holds meaning both for the marriage and the Park – the circle or ellipse symbolizes continuity and finality. During a reception at their home, the happy couple expressed thanks to their wonderful neighbors, not only for having stepped in to help with numerous details of the wedding, but for welcoming them into the folds of the gracious community. [See full write-up in this week's local news "Winding Streets Lead To Carroll Park Residential Oasis" (Grunyon Gazette, Sep. 7, 2006).]

The good folks of Carroll Park love their homes and these long-time residents typically have no desire to leave - they love the tranquility, the sense of history, and the community spirit.

Take a stroll around Carroll Park - smile and say hello to the friendly neighbors - relax in one of the Park islands and enjoy the solitude of this hidden oasis -- you may just want to call it "home."

Information on Carroll Park

City of Long Beach - Carroll Park
Map of Carroll Park - Historic District Boundaries
Map of Carroll Park - Yahoo
Grunion Gazette: