HJ Carroll Park History

Formerly Anderson Gravel Pit, HJ CARROLL PARK was constructed on a 40-acre parcel adjacent to SR19 in Chimacum, Washington. The purpose of the park is to provide a regional, multi-purpose recreational facility. The funding that was provided helped to develop a park and associated facilities to meet the increasing recreational needs of Jefferson County community members. This park is well maintained by Jefferson County Parks and Recreation. HJ “Jack” Carroll provided a generous financial gift for the initial development of this park. A lifelong resident of Jefferson County, he contributed much to the community. As a young man, Mr. Carroll worked at the Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill before he started a real estate company in 1938. His interest in youth led him to contribute to scholarship funds and provide generous sponsorships to high school athletic programs.
Tom Yarr Field
Mr. Carroll wished to commemorate one of the greatest athletes from Jefferson County, Tom Yarr, by sponsoring a park with a sports field named after him. Thomas Cornelius (Tommy) Yarr was born in 1908 in Chimacum. He attended Chimacum Schools where he was a sports star noted for his all around personality. He went on to play football at Notre Dame under the famed coach, Knute Rockne. In 1931, Yarr received All-American honors as the best intercollegiate center in the nation. Yarr was a Snohomish tribesman. He died of a heart attack in 1941 at the age of 33.
Park Amenities
Recreational opportunities within the park include a trail system around the perimeter of the park, an interpretative trail to and along Chimacum Creek in association with an interpretive facility sponsored by the Wild Olympic Salmon, pavilion and the Commons, picnic areas and tables, playground, a ball field, a soccer field, basketball/volleyball courts, a BMX practice track, restrooms/concession area, and open green spaces.
Kyle Thies Playgound
The playground was constructed in partnership with the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Department, the Tri Area Preschool Cooperative, and the Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Program. The playground is a living memorial to Kyle’s spirit and compassion in the face of adversity.
Art McLarney Courts 
Arthur J. McLarney was born at Fort Worden in 1908. He starred in three sports at Port Townsend High School. Art Attended Washington State University where he was the first WSU Baseball All-American, All-Pacific Coast in basketball, student body president, and a fine hand with the ukulele. 
After College Art played professional baseball with the New York Giants and Seattle Indians. As a high school basketball coach, he led his 1946 Roosevelt (Seattle) team to the state championship. Art went on to become both head basketball coach and head baseball coach at the University of Washington. He was elected to the WSU Cougar Hall of Fame in 1981. Art died in Seattle in 1984. These courts were built by community volunteers and dedicated in 2003.