Mike Carroll Park — Elizabethtown, KY
Quick Facts
- Park
- Mike Carroll Park
- Location
- 301 Peterson Dr, Elizabethtown, KY
- Type
- Neighborhood Park
- Managed By
- E-town Parks & Recreation
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Dawn to dusk, daily
Overview
Mike Carroll Park is a well-equipped community park located at 301 Peterson Drive in Elizabethtown, serving the neighborhoods along the city's east side. Named in honor of a local community leader who championed youth recreation, the park has become a go-to destination for families with young children, organized sports teams, and residents seeking an accessible neighborhood green space. The park occupies a generous footprint that includes a mix of active recreation facilities and passive open areas, making it versatile enough for everything from a Saturday morning soccer game to a quiet afternoon picnic. Its location off Peterson Drive places it within easy reach of Pear Orchard, Covington Ridge, and other east-side subdivisions, giving homeowners in those areas a valuable recreation amenity just minutes from their front doors. The park is well-maintained by the Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation Department and sees steady use throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. For families evaluating neighborhoods on Elizabethtown's east side, Mike Carroll Park is often cited as a deciding factor that tips the scales in favor of the area.
Amenities & Facilities
Mike Carroll Park features a robust set of amenities tailored to families and youth sports. The playground area includes modern play equipment with slides, climbing walls, and swings suitable for children ages two through twelve, all set on a safety surface. Multiple sports fields accommodate soccer, flag football, and casual pickup games, with open grassy areas large enough for full-field play. A basketball court provides a hard-surface option for pickup games year-round. Covered picnic pavilions offer shaded gathering spaces with tables and benches, ideal for birthday parties, family cookouts, and neighborhood meetups. Public restrooms are accessible near the main parking area. The park includes a paved walking path that loops through the property, providing a safe route for strollers, joggers, and dog walkers. Open green space surrounds the athletic fields and is perfect for flying kites, tossing a ball, or simply spreading a blanket in the grass. The parking lot off Peterson Drive provides ample spaces and is well-lit for safety. The entire park is flat and accessible, making it easy to navigate with strollers or mobility equipment.
Activities & Things to Do
Youth sports are at the heart of Mike Carroll Park's identity. The sports fields host organized soccer leagues, flag football games, and T-ball practices during the spring and fall seasons, drawing families from across the east side of Elizabethtown. Outside of organized play, the fields are open for casual use — pickup soccer games, frisbee, and catch are common sights on weekday evenings and weekends. The basketball court stays active from spring through fall with neighborhood players of all ages. The playground is a major draw for families with young children, offering a safe and engaging space for active play while parents relax on nearby benches or at the picnic pavilions. Walking and jogging on the park's loop path is popular among nearby residents who appreciate having a car-free exercise route close to home. The pavilions are frequently reserved for birthday celebrations, family reunions, and neighborhood block parties. The park also serves as an informal gathering spot for east-side residents — a place to meet neighbors, let the kids burn energy after school, and enjoy the outdoors without driving across town. During pleasant weather, it is not uncommon to see the park bustling with activity from morning through evening.
Visiting & Practical Info
Mike Carroll Park is located at 301 Peterson Drive, easily accessible from Ring Road and the commercial corridor along North Dixie Highway. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk with free parking and no admission fee. The pavilions may be reserved through the Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation Department for events and parties. The park is flat and fully accessible, with paved pathways connecting the parking area to all major amenities. Dogs on leashes are welcome. Nearby dining and shopping options are plentiful along Ring Road and the North Dixie corridor, making it easy to combine a park visit with errands. For families considering a home on Elizabethtown's east side, Mike Carroll Park adds real lifestyle value — it is the kind of neighborhood amenity that becomes part of daily life rather than just a weekend destination.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Explore the Elizabethtown neighborhoods closest to Mike Carroll Park:
Interested in homes near Mike Carroll Park on Elizabethtown's east side? Compass and Key Group specializes in matching families with the right neighborhood. Austin Kutz and his veteran-owned team know every street in Pear Orchard, Covington Ridge, and surrounding communities. Call (270) 735-3897 to schedule a showing.