2025 Annual-Report

A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

As we reflect on 2025, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) celebrates a year of meaningful accomplishments and forward momentum. We strengthened partnerships, introduced innovative facilities, and continued our commitment to safety, accessibility and environmental stewardship.

One of the keys to CCPR’s success has been the enduring partnership between the City of Carmel (City) and Clay Township (Township) since 1991. This unique relationship has provided the financial resources and organizational framework needed to create a highly efficient, world-class park and recreation system. This year, the City and Township approved an amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, extending this collaboration through at least 2042. This ensures long-term investment in park infrastructure, preserves CCPR’s proven operational structure and reinforces the Township’s role as a longstanding partner.

We celebrated several notable capital projects, including the opening of the Bur Oak Bridge, a 500-foot pedestrian and bicycle bridge linking Hazel Landing Park in Carmel to Heritage Park in Fishers. This $11.3 million regional partnership not only connects Central Indiana’s trail network but also honors the ecological and cultural history of the White River corridor.

Recreation facilities also grew with the opening of the Monon Station at the Monon Community Center, an indoor playground fostering creativity and exploration for children and families yearround. Featuring a custom-built Luckey Climber play structure and other STEM-related activities, the space supports active play and creative learning.

Alongside these capital improvements, CCPR continued to invest in programs and services that support families, promote safety and create meaningful experiences. Our Extended School Enrichment programs remain a valued resource for Carmel Clay School families, while the Summer Camp Series earned reaccreditation from the American Camp Association, reflecting our ongoing commitment to safe, inclusive programming for all ages and abilities.

The Park Resource Officer Program, launched in partnership with the Carmel Police Department, further strengthens safety through proactive engagement, staff training and on-site emergency response, helping make our parks safer for everyone.

In 2025, CCPR welcomed an estimated 6.3 million visitors across more than 710 acres of parks, facilities and greenways. Another highlight was receiving the Outstanding Agency Award from the Indiana Parks & Recreation Association, recognizing excellence, inclusion and innovation. As CCPR approaches 35 years of service in the coming year, we remain focused on building upon this legacy by continuing to innovate and deliver exceptional park and recreation experiences for the community.

Recreationally yours,

Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO

Scan here to watch a video highlighting Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s awardwinning parks, programs, and staff.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

ENHANCING PARK AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Through inspiring parks and innovative services, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation contributes to the quality of life and economic vitality of its community.

PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

ENSURING LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

In a city renowned for its worldclass parks and facilities, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is dedicated to providing excellent customer service to everyone. By creating an environmentally and financially sustainable system, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will ensure parks are available for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT EXTENDED

The Fourth Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement, between the City of Carmel (City) and Clay Township (Township), extends the longstanding partnership governing Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) through December 31, 2042. This amendment preserves the Park Board’s nine-member structure, with four members appointed by the Mayor, four by the Township Trustee, and one by Carmel Clay Schools. This extension aligns with the Township’s investment in park infrastructure through the Clay Township Impact Program, with related bond obligations supporting CCPR projects through 2042.

The amendment also establishes a new mechanism for Township support by incorporating select CCPR capital repair and replacement needs into its annual Capital Improvement Plan, providing added flexibility to support the department when funding allows.

In addition, the amendment transfers special park bonding and taxing authority from the City to the Township. While this authority has not been used historically, it provides the Township with a practical option to support future capital projects if needed. Together, these provisions strengthen the Township’s role as a long-term funding partner while supporting the continued maintenance of CCPR parks and facilities at the high standards the community expects.

IMPROVING PARKS & GREENWAYS

BUR OAK BRIDGE: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Bur Oak Bridge, opened October 20, 2025, connects Hazel Landing Park in Carmel to Heritage Park in Fishers via a 500-foot pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning the White River. The project strengthens Central Indiana’s regional trail network by linking the Monon Greenway, Big-4 Rail Trail and Nickel Plate Trail, expanding opportunities for recreation and active transportation.

Named for the native bur oak tree, the bridge honors the ecological and cultural history of the White River corridor. The name was selected in consultation with representatives of the Miami, Delaware/Lenape, Shawnee, and Peoria tribes, and is complemented by interpretive signage that highlights the area’s natural and cultural significance.

The $11.3 million Bur Oak Bridge project was made possible through a regional partnership, with funding contributions of $5 million from Clay Township, $3 million from Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, $1.6 million from Hamilton County, $1.3 million from Delaware Township, and $400,000 from the City of Fishers.

FOUNDERS PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS

Improvements at Founders Park Playground were implemented with a focus on safety, accessibility and overall visitor experience. A major focus of the project was the full replacement of the rubber safety surfacing, which had reached the end of its useful life due to sand migration from an adjacent play area.

To protect the new safety surface and prevent future degradation, the sand feature was relocated to the northeast corner of the playground. Artificial turf was also installed in select locations to improve drainage, clearly define play zones and reduce ongoing maintenance demands.

Additional enhancements further strengthened overall site safety and accessibility, including structural reinforcement of the retaining wall leading to the play structure, installation of new safety fencing, targeted repairs to the parking lot and adjacent sidewalks, replacement of worn shade structures, and the addition of extra seating. Together, these upgrades improve circulation, durability and peace of mind for families visiting Founders Park.

SUMMER FUN RUN/WALK SERIES

During the summer season, the Carmel Clay Parks Foundation (Foundation), in partnership with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR), launched a new Summer Fun Run/ Walk Series, inviting the community to experience Carmel’s parks and greenways in an engaging way. From June 16 through August 10, participants explored a featured trail each week, highlighting eight unique parks and greenways throughout the city.

Open to all fitness levels, the program encouraged both runners and walkers to participate at their own pace, whether training for a race or simply enjoying time outdoors. Participants who completed all eight trails were eligible for prize drawings generously provided by local businesses, further strengthening community partnerships.

Proceeds from the Summer Fun Run/Walk Series directly supported the Foundation, which plays a key role in advancing the enhancement, stewardship and accessibility of CCPR.

PARKS AND RECREATION IMPROVEMENTS IN 2025

• Added a new shade structure in the small dog run at the Central Dog Park and expanded solar lighting throughout the park.

• Resurfaced the playground at Meadowlark Park, enhancing safety and accessibility for visitors.

• Supported the redevelopment of the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden through landscaping enhancements, trail construction and pond management.

• Installed permanent fixed umbrellas along Monon Boulevard to provide shade and enhance visitor comfort.

EXPANDING RIVER HERITAGE PARK WITH THE HISTORIC MOFFITT HOUSE

The acquisition of the Historic Moffitt House marked a significant milestone for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, further advancing the department’s commitment to preservation and stewardship. Situated on a 3.22-acre parcel bordered on the north and east by River Heritage Park, the property expands and strengthens the existing park while safeguarding a site of exceptional historical significance.

Built in 1827 by Silas and Hannah Moffitt, the brick home is the oldest brick house in what is now Carmel and the second oldest in Hamilton County, with only the William Conner house being older. The Moffitts were the first European settlers to establish a residence on the west side of the White River in what was then Delaware Township, making the home a rare and tangible link to the earliest chapter of settlement in the area. Securing this property ensures the long-term preservation of an irreplaceable historic resource while protecting additional greenspace along the White River corridor.

RECREATION & FACILITIES

MONON STATION OPENING

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) celebrated the opening of Monon Station, a new indoor playground at the Monon Community Center (MCC) designed to spark imagination, creativity and year-round play. Reimagining the former KidZone space, Monon Station offers a safe and engaging environment where children of all ages can explore, climb, build and play through interactive and unstructured experiences.

The space serves MCC families while supporting wellness for parents and caregivers, reinforcing CCPR’s commitment to inclusive, family-focused amenities.

Monon Station amenities include:

• Luckey Climber: A unique blend of art and jungle gym for active exploration

• LiteZilla: A large-scale, interactive light display

• Toddler Nook: A safe space for crawlers and early walkers

• Imagination Station: Build and create with foam blocks

• A-Mazing Airways: Explore airflow and movement through hands-on learning

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS AT THE MONON COMMUNITY CENTER

The Monon Community Center completed a series of facility improvements designed to enhance functionality, safety and the overall experience for users.

• Deadlift platform: A new deadlift platform was added to the Fitness Center, expanding strength training options and supporting safe, efficient use of free-weight equipment.

• Indoor Lap and Activity Pools: Replastered and repainted, improving durability, appearance and guest experience.

• Locker room flooring upgrades: Carpeted areas in the men’s and women’s fitness center locker rooms were replaced with tile, creating a more durable, low-maintenance surface.

The Waterpark saw a rise in attendance in 2025, building on the previous season’s strong performance. Demand for cabana rentals underscored the value visitors place on premium amenities and enhanced experiences.

3,333 213 847

115,927 19,368

115,927 19,368

3,333 213 847

EXTENDED SCHOOL ENRICHMENT/ SUMMER CAMP SERIES

EXTENDED SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Extended School Enrichment (ESE) served students across 11 sites during the 2024–25 school year as the exclusive provider of after-school programming for Carmel Clay Schools (CCS). ESE supported families with consistent, highquality care and helped meet childcare needs when school was not in session by offering Winter Break, Martin Luther King Jr., and President’s Day camps at the Jill Perelman Pavilion in West Park and the Ralph L. Wilfong Pavilion in Founders Park. These camps feature engaging activities and field trips for CCS students in grades K–6.

REACCREDITATION THROUGH AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

R.I.C.H.E.R. BINGO

The Summer Camp Series received reaccreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA), the only nationally recognized organization that establishes standards for health, safety, staff training and risk management in camp programs across the United States. ACA reaccreditation reflects Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s continued commitment to providing safe, inclusive and high-quality summer camp experiences for youth in the Carmel community.

R.I.C.H.E.R. Bingo Night is a fun-filled celebration honoring Extended School Enrichment (ESE) students who consistently demonstrate ESE’s core values — Respect, Integrity, Caring, Harmony, Excellence, and Responsibility. Students earn invitations by collecting “R.I.C.H.E.R. Right-ups” throughout the semester when staff observe them exemplifying these principles in their daily interactions. Students with the highest number of “Right-ups” are invited, along with their families, to special events such as R.I.C.H.E.R. Bingo Night in the fall, featuring bingo, games and crafts, and a Pacers game in the spring. These events reinforce that positive behavior, strong character and community involvement are achievements worth celebrating.

SUMMER CAMP SERIES

The Summer Camp Series (SCS) had a successful year, serving a total of 7,553 campers! All camp weeks operated smoothly, with 13 different camp offerings, providing families with engaging experiences throughout the summer. Camp options such as Vacation Vibes, Outdoor Explorers and In the Zone remained popular choices. Parents and guardians expressed high levels of satisfaction, with 96% rating camps with 4 or 5 stars out of 5. Additionally, 95% of parents and guardians felt that SCS delivered the summer camp experience they had anticipated.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

OUTSTANDING AGENCY AWARD

The Indiana Parks & Recreation Association recognized Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) with the Outstanding Agency Award, one of the association’s highest honors. The award celebrates agencies that make lasting contributions to their communities and the state by advancing the parks and recreation field and improving quality of life for Indiana residents.

In 2025, CCPR managed more than 710 acres of parkland and welcomed 6.3 million visitors to its parks and facilities. The department’s commitment to inclusive design, environmental stewardship and community-centered programming continues to support accessibility, active lifestyles and meaningful connections across Carmel and beyond.

“Our mission has always been to strengthen the Carmel community through parks and recreation, and this award validates our ongoing commitment to excellence, inclusion and innovation.”

— Michael W. Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO

PARK RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM

Launched in early 2025, the Park Resource Officer (PRO) Program is a partnership between Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and the Carmel Police Department designed to enhance public safety through a proactive, community-focused approach. The program assigns two dedicated officers to maintain a regular, approachable presence across parks, facilities, and greenways, emphasizing education, engagement and relationship-building.

PROs support staff training and safety planning while providing on-site emergency response when needed. Their involvement brings valuable law enforcement expertise to daily park operations, strengthens preparedness efforts and helps reduce emergency response times, contributing to a safer and more welcoming park system.

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

END-OF-YEAR STAFF APPRECIATION

H.I.V.E. AWARD CEREMONY

The H.I.V.E. Awards serve as a cornerstone of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s culture, representing the department’s commitment to four core values: Holistic, Inclusive, Visionary, and Ecological. Awards are designed to recognize both part-time and full-time staff who embody these principles through their actions, attitude and contributions.

Additionally, the department presented the Polly Above and Bee-Yond Award to staff who consistently go above and beyond their day to day responsibilities.

In total, 10 awards were presented, with a part-time and full-time staff member being recognized for their exemplary work across the five categories. Over 84 nominations were submitted across all categories for the 2025 H.I.V.E. Awards.

2025 AWARD WINNERS

Holistic

Jeff Bartle, Facility Maintenance Coordinator

Marina Nasif, Member Services Associate Inclusive

Jarred Crossley, Site Supervisor

Nolan Peterson, Counselor Visionary

Holly Perlin-Grubb, Member Services Site Supervisor

Ashton Runnels, Head Counselor Ecological

Cody McCollum, Parks Operations Manager

Josh Samples, Outdoor Parks Worker

Polly Above and Bee-Yond

Nicole Ledwith, HR Generalist

Olivia Nelson, Lifeguard

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR)’s West Park redesign received a Merit Award from the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, recognizing CCPR’s design partner, SmithGroup, for excellence in landscape architecture. Completed as part of the Reimagining Parks initiative and supported by the Clay Township Impact Program, the project features a new imaginative playground, an integrated splash pad, expanded parking, improved trails and a restored prairie maze. Inspired by input from local elementary students, West Park is now a vibrant, award-winning destination for visitors of all ages.

BY THE NUMBERS

EXTENDED SCHOOL ENRICHMENT & SUMMER CAMP SERIES

Providing before and after school care in each of the school district’s 11 elementary schools through a partnership with Carmel Clay Schools (CCS).

• 2,188 participants enrolled during the 2024-2025 school year

• 7,553 participants enrolled in the Summer Camp Series

• 98% of surveyed parents/guardians indicated ESE provides a safe environment

• 96% of surveyed parents/guardians indicated ESE provides a caring atmosphere

MONON COMMUNITY CENTER

An award-winning facility with amenities and offerings unsurpassed in the state. Offering the community a one-stop source for recreation, fitness and family fun.

• 734,715 visitors to the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark

• 1,733 Group Fitness classes offered

• 161,540 Group Fitness class participants

• 1,411 Recreation Programs offered

• 19,238 Recreation Program participants

PARKS & NATURAL RESOURCES

Providing outlets to enjoy the outdoors through award-winning parks, nature preserves, greenways and park stewardship opportunities.

• 148 acres of invasive species management

• $84,928 spent on invasive species management (internal, volunteer, contractor). Top three invasive targets: Amur honeysuckle, Callery/Bradford pear, Burning bush

• 3,385 volunteer hours

• 106 total volunteer hours dedicated to pollinator habitat with three collection events at Central and West Parks

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Serving all Carmel Clay residents, scholarships and fee waivers have been awarded to individuals and families with economic challenges.

• 70 recipients received financial assistance

• $7,512 for Recreation and Facilities scholarships

• $126,562 for Extended School Enrichment

• $300 for Summer Camp Series

YEAR-END FINANCIALS

WHERE IT CAME FROM

$20,581,462

$6,759,307

$6,545,919

$6,295,662

$318,217

WHERE IT WENT TOTAL EXPENSES: $19,466,294

$6,044,934

$5,869,325

$4,188,492

$1,356,707 FOOD & BEVERAGE SALES

$277,716

$384,641

CAMPS

$1,284,339

$527,883

DOG PARK, WILFONG & PERELMAN PAVILIONS

$5,496,903

$4,818,971

$2,827,444

$1,004,658

$801,942

$415,455

$307,685

$194,615 MONON COMMUNITY CENTER & THE WATERPARK

STEWARDSHIP: TREE PLANTINGS/HAZARD TREE/ INVASIVES

$216,748

*Denotes projects which were recipients of approximately $1,122,235 in funds made possible by the Clay Township Impact Program.

**Includes $5,059,252 in funding contributions made by Clay Township, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, Hamilton County, Delaware Township, and the City of Fishers.

OUR MISSION

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will be stewards of a healthy community by providing transformative experiences.

OUR VISION

To be a national leader in parks and recreation, enhancing our community one park, program and person at a time.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO

Kurtis Baumgartner, CPRE Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation/COO

Eric Mehl, CPRE Administration & Planning Director/CAO

Michael Allen, CPRP Parks & Natural Resources Director

Jennifer Brown, CPRP Extended School Enrichment & Camps Director

Trudy Coler Marketing & Communications Director

Michael Normand, CPRP Recreation & Facilities Director

Claudine Sutton, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Human Resources Director

2025 PARK BOARD

Judith F. Hagan, President

Jenn Kristunas, Vice President

Mark Westermeier, Treasurer

Katie Mueller, Secretary

Jonathan Blake

James D. Garretson

Josh Orahood

Jon Shapiro

Riddhi Shukla