NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL WINNER AND ACCREDITED AGENCY
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
I am excited to share the 2024 Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Annual Report! This past year has been filled with incredible moments—celebrating milestones, embracing new opportunities, and continuing our mission to create lasting memories through exceptional parks and recreation experiences.
One of our greatest achievements was finalizing the 2025-2029 Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan. This plan serves as a strategic roadmap for our park system, shaped by invaluable community input. It focuses on four key priorities: securing long-term capital funding, embracing the White River as our most significant natural resource, enhancing greenspace in west Carmel, and strengthening partnerships with the City of Carmel and other organizations to expand events and programming. We are excited about the future and the opportunities ahead.
Another highlight was achieving national reaccreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This accomplishment reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and reaffirms our commitment to excellence. The rigorous review process confirmed what we already know—our parks and programs are among the best in the nation!
We also had the rare privilege of hosting a oncein-a-lifetime event: the Total Solar Eclipse. With Carmel in the path of totality, we welcomed families, neighbors, and visitors to witness this breathtaking celestial event together in our parks. It was a moment of awe and wonder that brought our community together in a truly special way.
As we look back on 2024, it’s clear that parks and recreation are at the heart of connecting people, enriching lives, and providing spaces for everyone to gather, play, and grow. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another great year ahead!
Recreationally yours,
Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO
Scan here to watch a video highlighting Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s award-winning 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.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) is shaping the future with the adoption of its 2025-2029 Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The plan is the strategic vision for the department and establishes the goals and priorities over the next five years. This helps ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the community.
SERVING AS A BLUEPRINT FOR PARKS AND RECREATION IN A THRIVING CARMEL COMMUNITY
When you’re looking at the big picture, our overarching goal is to serve the parks and recreation needs of the community at the highest level possible, ensuring we are good stewards of the property we maintain and the tax dollars we receive. ”
— Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO
The comprehensive master plan is the culmination of several months of extensive community input. Research tools included a statistically valid survey, intercept surveys at parks and events, and meetings with focus groups including elected officials, Carmel Clay Schools, Carmel Dads’ Club, Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council, and Teen Library Council, to name a few. The responses were reviewed and analyzed to help the department craft a plan that reaches all populations, especially those underserved by current park resources.
The 2025-2029 Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan focuses on four key recommendations: long-term funding, the White River corridor, west Carmel greenspace, and increased collaboration. These focus points underscore the CCPR mission.
IMPROVING PARKS & GREENWAYS
PARK HIGHLIGHTS AND IMPROVEMENTS
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) strives to provide exceptional park experiences that inspire connection, recreation, and community. To fulfill this commitment, CCPR continually assesses our parks, greenways and amenities to identify opportunities for improvement. Updates are designed to enhance visitor experience and ensure parks are vibrant, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.
WESTERMEIER COMMONS IN CENTRAL PARK
• Renovated playground safety surfacing and added a large artificial turf area to enhance additional play opportunities.
• Installed a perimeter fence to enhance safety, separating the playground from the parking lot.
• Added a sunscreen dispenser for visitor convenience.
CENTRAL PARK/INTERURBAN TRAIL CONNECTION AND TRAILHEAD
• Upgraded the Central Park/Interurban Trail connection and trailhead for better accessibility and user experience.
BEAR CREEK GREENWAY
• Opened Phase 1 of the Bear Creek Greenway, extending through Albany Village.
EXCELLENCE IN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) was honored with the Excellence in Resource Improvement Award at the Indiana Park and Recreation Association state conference. This prestigious award recognizes a park and recreation agency that demonstrates outstanding innovation and management in the development of parks, trails, natural areas, or recreational facilities.
CCPR earned this distinction for its accessible and sustainable redesign of River Heritage Park. The department worked with Weihe Engineers and United Construction to transform 30 acres of previously underutilized wooded property along the White River, installing over a mile of universally accessible nature trails while adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
ART IN CENTRAL PARK
BISON AND CALF MAKE THE JOURNEY TO CENTRAL PARK
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) unveiled its first public art installation in Central Park—a sculpture titled Bison and Calf, created by internationally renowned Zimbabwean artist Dominic Benhura. Known for his work exploring themes of family, nature, and their interconnectedness, Benhura was selected for his ability to capture these elements in stone.
While various animals were considered, the American bison was chosen for its historical significance in Indiana, where it once roamed the state’s grasslands. Hand-carved from a single serpentine stone using a small hammer and chisel, the sculpture stands over seven feet tall and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds. To celebrate its arrival, Benhura worked alongside youth from CCPR’s summer camps, allowing them to participate in the finishing touches and experience the art of sculpting firsthand.
Our first public art installation marks an exciting milestone for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation,” said Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO. “Bison and Calf is more than just a sculpture—it’s a reflection of our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that connect people to nature, history, and community. ” “
— Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO
VOLUNTEERS
WEED WRANGLES TARGET INVASIVE SPECIES
Weed Wrangles are one-day volunteer events aimed at removing invasive plant species from our parks. Volunteers work to tackle honeysuckle, Bradford pear, and other invasive species, which helps create valuable habitats for wildlife.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) hosted 13 Weed Wrangles with a total of 262 volunteers. These events are a great way to connect the community to improving our natural areas. Weed Wrangles took place in several parks including West Park, Central Park, and Inlow Park.
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
CARMEL CLAY PARKS & RECREATION ACHIEVES CAPRA REACCREDITATION
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) was awarded reaccreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) at this year’s National Recreation and Park Association annual conference.
CAPRA is a valuable measure of a department’s quality of operation, management, and service provided to the community. There are 154 standards that are evaluated across 10 areas, including agency role and responsibility; planning; organization and administration; human resources; financial management; programs and services; facility and land use; public safety; law enforcement and security; risk management; and evaluation and research.
CCPR first achieved national accreditation in 2014, joining an elite group of park and recreation agencies committed to the highest standards of excellence.
Achieving reaccreditation is a testament to our commitment of excellence and continuous improvement. “ ”
— Kurtis Baumgartner, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation/COO
PARKS HOST VIEWING OF THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) invited the community to witness the rare total solar eclipse with a special event, Total Eclipse of the Park. With Carmel located in the path of totality, the event drew hundreds of attendees eager to experience this awe-inspiring phenomenon. It was exhilarating to see so many people come together to share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with CCPR. Staff were on hand to assist with crowd management and parking while also joining in the excitement, making it a truly memorable day for the community.
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
END-OF-YEAR STAFF
MICHAEL KLITZING HONORED WITH AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
Michael Klitzing, Director/CEO of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, received the 2024 Richard Lawson Award for Professional Excellence by the Great Lakes Park Training Institute. The Lawson Award, which recognizes individuals who have made continued and significant contributions to the parks and recreation profession in the Great Lakes region, celebrates Klitzing’s outstanding leadership and dedication to the field.
APPRECIATION & H.I.V.E. AWARDS
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 parttime and full-time staff member being recognized for their exemplary work across the five categories. Over 70 nominations were submitted across all categories for this year’s H.I.V.E. Awards.
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Joyce Budziszewski, Member Services Supervisor
Joesph Nkonga, Recruiting Assistant
NCLUSIVE
Allison Werich, Site Supervisor
Levi Nopen, Outdoor Parks Worker
ISIONARY
Heston Godby, Graphic Designer
Moniece Jones, Head Counselor
Blake Warnecke, Park Maintenance Tech
Karen LaMere, Naturalist/Program Instructor
ABOVE AND BEE-YOND
Alexa Waldrip, Rec. Services Manager, Programming
Nick McIntire, Lifeguard
EXTENDED SCHOOL ENRICHMENT/ AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
AFTER SCHOOL FUN AND PROGRAMMING
Extended School Enrichment (ESE) began its 19th school year as the exclusive provider of after school programs for Carmel Clay Schools (CCS). Average daily attendance at each school increased, reaching 99 participants per site. For the 2023-2024 school year, a total of 2,180 students were enrolled in after school programming across 11 Carmel Clay school sites. In addition, Winter Break camps were held at the Jill Perelman Pavilion in West Park and the Ralph L. Wilfong Pavilion in Founders Park. These camps provided engaging activities and field trips for CCS students in grades K-6 during the Winter Break.
ARTIST’S ALLEY ART SHOW
Extended School Enrichment (ESE) celebrated its inaugural Artist’s Alley Art Show. Throughout the school year, ESE staff curated a rotating exhibition of student artwork created during the after school program. Art pieces from each of the 11 school sites were collected and displayed at the Monon Community Center. In April, all of the art was showcased and contributing students and their families were invited to attend the celebration.
SUMMER CAMP SERIES
The Summer Camp Series (SCS) had a successful year, serving a total of 7,271 campers! All camp weeks operated smoothly, with no cancellations. SCS offered 13 different types of camps, with popular options including I.M.P.A.C.T. (Initiative, Motivation, Professionalism, Achievement, Compassion, Teamwork), The Summer Experience, and Under the Sun. Parents and guardians expressed high levels of satisfaction, with 94% rating SCS camps 4 or 5 stars out of 5. Additionally, 97% of parents and guardians felt that SCS delivered the summer camp experience they had anticipated.
RECREATION & FACILITIES
REFRESHING SPACES
Several upgrades were completed at the Monon Community Center (MCC) to refresh and elevate the experience for all visitors.
• Gymnasium floor refinishing: The gymnasium courts were fully refinished with a complete sanding and repainting. The floors now have a fresh, clean look and are utilized daily for MCC activities including basketball, pickleball and youth tennis.
• Indoor Aquatics slide tower renovation: The indoor slide tower was completely renovated with structural improvements including sanding/painting, and replacing worn out stairs.
• MCC West entrance canopy: The canopy overhang was repainted, giving the building a more polished look and creating a welcoming entrance.
LIGHTING ENHANCEMENTS AT THE MONON COMMUNITY CENTER
A series of lighting upgrades were completed at the Monon Community Center to support energy efficiency and improved luminescence; improvements were made in the gymnasium and indoor aquatics. These upgrades not only enhance the experience for visitors but also contribute to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s sustainability efforts.
The 2024 season at The Waterpark was highly successful, with attendance showing a substantial increase compared to the previous year. In addition, cabana rentals saw high demand, reflecting a growing interest in premium services.
2,636
244
108,333
17,885
814
Visitors Ice Cream Cones Sold
Monon Mixer Attendees
Lifeguard Rescues
Swim Lesson Participants
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).
• 2,180 participants enrolled during the 2023-2024 school year
• 7,271 participants enrolled in the Summer Camp Series
• 97% 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.
• 685,002 visitors to the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark
• 1,565 Group Fitness classes offered
• 145,662 Group Fitness class participants
• 1,221 Recreation Programs offered
• 16,645 Recreation Program participants
PARKS & NATURAL RESOURCES
Providing outlets to enjoy the outdoors through award-winning parks, nature preserves, greenways and park stewardship opportunities.
• 96 acres of invasive species management
• $74,953 spent on invasive species management (internal, volunteer, contractor). Top three invasive targets: Amur honeysuckle, Callery pear, and garlic mustard
• 2,611 volunteer hours
• 83.75 total volunteer hours dedicated to pollinator habitat with three collection events at Central, West, and Founders Parks
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Serving all Carmel Clay residents, scholarships and fee waivers have been awarded to individuals and families with economic challenges.
• 73 recipients received financial assistance
• $6,993.42 for Recreation and Facilities scholarships
• $114,782.89 for Extended School Enrichment
• $939.75 for Summer Camp Series
YEAR-END FINANCIALS
$7,605,698
$6,524,156
$6,376,858
$1,837,041
*Denotes projects which were recipients of approximately $3,843,065 in funds made possible by the Clay Township Impact Program.
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, CPRP Administration & Planning Director/CAO
Michael Allen, CPRP Parks & Natural Resources Director
Jennifer Brown Extended School Enrichment & Camps Director
Trudy Coler Marketing & Communications Director
Michael Normand, CPRP Recreation & Facilities Director
Claudine Sutton, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Human Resources Director
2024 PARK BOARD
Judith F. Hagan, President
Jenn Kristunas, Vice President
Lin Zheng, Treasurer
Linus Rude, Secretary
Jonathan Blake
Katie Browning
James D. Garretson
Joshua A. Kirsh
Mark Westermeier
