Carroll Park Attendant Kathleen Henderson To Be Honored in Albany

Carroll Park's beloved playground associate and unofficial "den mother" Kathleen Henderson will be honored in a ceremony at the State Capitol Tuesday night as a "Woman of Distinction." Sen. Daniel Squadron selected her as this year's 25th Senate District honoree.

Created by the Senate in 1998, this evening marks the New York State Senate’s 15th annual Women of Distinction celebration, recognizing the historic contributions of New Yorkers as part of National Women’s History Month.

"Over the last 16 years, the community has seen turn from a neglected and avoided park to become the heart of our neighborhood—and Kathleen has been a key force behind that transformation," Senator Squadron's office said in a statement. "Kathleen is a treasure to the Carroll Gardens community, and a most deserving honoree."

A playground associate is a seasonal Parks Department employee who attends to the park house and generally oversees operations at city parks. An associate monitors children and parks equipment, making sure everything is safe and in operational order.

"Kathleen has been a wonderful resource at the Park for many years," said Gary Dolan, president of . "She has been a great Parks Department liaison and deserves a lot of credit for the fact that Carroll Park is such a great community gathering place."

Henderson, who moved to Brooklyn after graduating from Hunter College and has since raised two daughters of her own, has been especially beloved by the community for going above and beyond the call of duty over the years. Outside of her actual work hours, Henderson often volunteers at park events such as the and the Halloween parade. 

In fact, as recently as last year when for a time her job was in jeopardy due to cuts in funding for the Parks Department. 

"She is involved in, and cares about, the life of the park and understands how it impacts the daily life of children in this area," local parent Naidre Miller said at the time. "She makes the park a better place and by extension, the neighborhood, a better place for our children and ourselves."

Having worked in Carroll Park for more than a decade, Henderson has watched not only the facility but its patrons grow. 

"We couldn't ask for a better neighborhood ambassador!" said Maria Pagano on behalf of the . "Kathleen has the perfect touch—she's smart, savvy and knows every child and parent by name. She is the linchpin that keeps the Park running like a top. Thank you to Senator Squadron for honoring her. She's the best."

Tonight that exemplary dedication will be rewarded and celebrated alongside family members and other Women of Distinction at a ceremony and reception in Albany. We welcome you to share your well wishes for Henderson in the comments below.

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