Caroline Park

Caroline Park, located between Sunset Drive, Mariposa Drive and Poppy Road in Redlands, was donated to the City of Redlands in 1929 by Olivia Phelps Stokes in memory of her beloved sister Caroline. After the family fortune (Phelps Dodge Corporation) helped the sisters travel extensively throughout the U.S, they chose Redlands to build their winter home. When Olivia donated the 16.8 acre piece next to their home to the city for use as a park, she stipulated it to remain in its natural state as much as possible. In 1987, a third generation Redlands resident, Dr. Harold Hill, who was Chairman of the City Parks Commission and active Redlands Rotary member, envisioned a native plant botanical park that was revegetated with attractive shrubs, trees and wildflowers. The concept he presented to the City was accepted and a task force of Rotary Clubs and the City Parks Department developed the park, with Redlands residents donating vital monies, landscaping and irrigation infrastructure, professional services, expertise and lots of hours. The park and botanical nature garden is enjoyed by naturalists, dog walkers, picnickers, homeschoolers, walkers and runners. The overlook terrace off Sunset offers some parking and a dramatic 180 degree view of the mountains ringing Redlands.While there are no restrooms or playground equipment, Caroline Park offers a unique park experience. Don’t forget to check out this place in Redlands too.

Caroline Park contains several habitats, including woodlands and a variety of chaparral plants, but isprimarily a great example of the dwindling Coastal Sage Scrubhabitat. Sage Scrub is characterized by low-growing aromatic shrubs that have specially adapted to Southern California’s Mediterranean climate. Since it tends to occur on low elevation slopes that are ideal for development, the loss of coastal sage scrub is ongoing throughout California. Healthy specimens of several oak species (live oaks as well as the rare Engelmann) dot the sloping hills of Caroline Park. Coastal sage plants typically produce lusher, larger winter leaves and tiny, gray-green leaves during the hot summers. Native plants provide wonderful habitat value and an intricate web of life, starting with the berries and insects that attract a host of birds, which in turn attract raptors. Caroline Park provides cover and food sources for a variety of mammals and other members of the animal world.

This bountiful park houses many natural wonders over a sprawling 16.8 acres of land. One of its major attractions is a botanical garden home to a variety of endemic and native Californian species. This is also a dog-friendly park, so you’re welcome to bring your pet along with you. The Loop Trail is very beautiful and filled with a variety of small and beautiful species of wildflowers. Picnicking is another fun activity that you can enjoy on the park’s grassy lawns. If you are ever in need of home renovation, click here.