Most adults associate the name Carroll Park with the lovely, two-acre slice of paradise nestled in the heart of Carroll Gardens. Yet, the kids who frolic through the park’s sprinklers, swing in its playgrounds, and whirl around its Soldiers and Sailors World War I Monument on their bikes and scooters, associate the name “Carroll Park” with the woman they think is literally named Carroll Park — playground associate Kathleen Henderson, who also goes by the nicknames the “Park Lady” and the “Den Mother of Carroll Park.”
Henderson has worked at the block-long area — bordered by President, Carroll, Smith, and Court streets — since 1995, and her passion for keeping children entertained is apparent as soon as you enter the park house that boasts a main room chock-full of arts-and-crafts materials, toys, books, games, tricycles, and playground equipment generously funded by Friends of Carroll Park and private donations.
Some of these private donations include support from people like 6-year-old Mattie Doran. Mattie, along with Grace O’Keefe and Emma Admonis, who all attend the elementary school across the street, PS 58, spearheaded a committee called Kids for Carroll Park. The three girls organized a bake sale and raised $168 that they donated to Henderson and the park.
“[I] wanted to help Kathleen a little because she is my favorite person in the park and I grew up in the park,” Mattie explained. “I also wanted to run something of my own that was my idea.”
“I started coming here when I was 1 and now I’m 6 and three-quarters,” added Grace. “Kathleen’s been working here the whole time and helping the park even longer than that.”
The rest of the children who rush over from across the street as soon as PS 58 dismisses its students for the day are just as excited about Henderson and the park. They greet her with smiles, hugs, and excitement in their eyes, which is proof of Henderson’s positive effect on the community. But gaining that love and appreciation was not easy.
When Henderson started working at the park, older boys who used to hang out there did not like her sudden presence. They called her names and pelted her with water balloons. But Henderson was strong, patient, and kind. Over time, they watched how the park changed for the better under her care. The boys’ rude behavior eventually stopped and they started endearingly referring to her as the “Old Lady of Carroll Park.” Some of these once unruly adolescents, now young adults, come back and visit with Henderson in order to show their appreciation of her positive influence, which is still affecting the youth today.
Eight-year-old Anastasia always hurries over to the park after school.
“I kind of like the monkey bars and swings, but what I really like best about coming here are Kathleen’s projects,” says Anastasia, as she and Henderson glue a wooden flower card-holder together.
When Henderson is around, manners are encouraged in Carroll Park. She incorporates valuable lessons about kindness, respect, and responsibility into everything she does. For instance, children know that if they want a full water balloon, they are expected to bring Henderson a handful of the broken balloons that have been scattered all over the ground, first. This teaches kids a lesson about respecting people and the environment around them.
Peter, who makes balloons for the children in the park — and is known to them as the “Balloon Man” — has observed Henderson for the past year. He refers to her as the “Anchor of Carroll Park” and speaks about her connection to the kids with a sense of awe.
“Kathleen has an amazing sense of fairness. She always has something exciting going on, keeping everyone happy and safe,” he says.
Parents agree, and when they enter the park, they greet Henderson like family, showering her with hugs and kisses. Henderson knows all their kids by name and tells anecdotes about each of them. She even has photos of many of the kids when they lost their first teeth.
Allison, who has small, twin daughters named Sydney and Dylan, is delighted with Henderson’s presence.
“Swarms of older kids can be intimidating for little ones. It’s comforting to know that she is around keeping everyone safe. When she returns every spring, she brings a strong sense of community to the park.”
Hanna, another mother, has known Henderson for 17 years. Her oldest son, who is now 20, met Henderson at the park when he was 3 years old. Hanna jokes that 3 was too late for her son to build a relationship with Henderson, and claims that she had her second son only so he could have the opportunity to know her from birth.
“Kathleen is a wonderful person. It has been a pleasure knowing her all these years. She is so helpful watching everyone’s kids.”
Her hard work, dedication, and genuine love and care for children earned her the 2012 25th Senate District Woman of Distinction Award. Selected for the award by Sen. Daniel Squadron, she was honored at two ceremonies — the first in Albany on May 15 and the other in Carroll Park on June 3. Many friends came out to show their support and thank her for making a difference in their community and in the lives of their children. Congratulations, Kathleen, you deserve it!
