Caroline Park a 16.8 acre piece of land, bounded by Sunset Drive, Mariposa Drive and Poppy Road in Redlands, California, was donated by Olivia Phelps Stokes to the city of Redlands in 1929 in memory of her beloved sister Caroline.
Olivia and Caroline Phelps Stokes loved Redlands. Their family fortune was measured in the millions resulting from their involvement in the copper industry (Phelps Dodge Corporation), publishing, banking and real estate businesses in Massachusetts. After traveling extensively in their own railroad car, they chose to build their home in Redlands.
When Olivia donated the 16.8-acre piece, She stipulated in her will that it remain in its natural state, and in accordance with her wishes it is now a passive neighborhood park and botanical nature garden, filled with California native plants, a great legacy to future generations of citizens.
In 1987, Redlands native Harold Hill, a third-generation Redlands resident, 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.
This monument honors Caroline and Olivia Phelps Stokes who are buried side by side at Hillside Memorial Park. Their generosity lives on through the many philanthropic gifts as does that of many other thoughtful contributors who value the distinctive beauty of Redlands.
When you visit Caroline Park, don’t forget to visit the neighboring park which is the Bunny Park. Bunny Park is interconnected to Caroline Park where visitors like to spend time relaxing and taking a stroll.
Related Article: https://www.redlandscommunitynews.com/discover_redlands/the-story-of-caroline-park/article_1a807012-0722-11ea-bea9-73dafadbb66d.html