2020 Annual Report

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nnual 2020

A nationally accredited & gold medal agency

EXPLORE ENGAGE CONNECT

A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR How do you properly recap a year like 2020, the year of COVID? Twelve months in which almost every aspect of our individual and collective lives was disrupted by a global pandemic. Mandated playground and facility closures, canceled programs, dramatic reductions in earnedincome, mask mandates and social distancing, operational pivots, saying goodbye to cherished coworkers as positions were eliminated – these were just some of the after effects of the novel coronavirus. Not the milestones of a great year.

It was a year of extremes. While the Monon Community Center, Extended School Enrichment and our recreation programs struggled due to the pandemic, our physical park system thrived.

People (re)discovered our parks and trails, experiencing the restorative nature of the great outdoors. Thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program, initiated before anyone had heard of COVID-19, we kicked off a two-year, $30 million reinvestment in our capital infrastructure.

Renovations began in Carey Grove Park, Central Park, Flowing Well Park, and West Park, with projects slated to begin in 2021 for Lawrence W. Inlow Park, Meadowlark Park, Monon Greenway, River Heritage Park, and the expanded Sister Cities Cultural Gardens by City Hall. We also accomplished the long-established goal of purchasing new parkland in northwest Carmel, recently named Bear Creek Park. Truly unparalleled accomplishments, all the more remarkable given the year.

In this year of ups and downs, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation was awarded the coveted Gold Medal Award for Excellence in the field of Park and Recreation Management, the highest honor for a park system. This marks the second time we have won the Gold Medal, doing so in the first year we regained eligibility after last winning in 2014. Among many factors, CCPR was recognized for its innovation and commitment to creating a truly sustainable park and recreation system, something that is even more important today as we prepare for a postpandemic future.

As we reflect on the year that was 2020, we must always remember that the challenges of today present untold opportunities for the future. We must and will rise to the occasion as we continue Reimagining Parks in 2021. Here’s to the new year!

Recreationally yours,

Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE Director of Parks & Recreation

2020 in 2-ish Minutes Click here for a message from Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation, on the department’s challenges and successes in 2020.

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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 In a city renowned for its worldclass parks and facilities, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is dedicated to providing excellent customer service to everyone served.

ENSURING LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY 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.

Awarded Gold Medal Award for 2nd Time In October, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation was awarded the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management for the second time. CCPR first received the Class III Gold Medal Award for parks serving populations of 75,001-150,000 in 2014.

“We are incredibly proud of our team for this outstanding achievement. To win two Gold Medals consecutively is an honor and a reflection of the innovation and dedication of every person at CCPR,” said Michael Klitzing, Director for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation.

During the 55-year history of the award, only 204 agencies have won the Gold Medal, and less than 1% of all eligible agencies have won the award since 1966. Only 56 park systems have won the Gold Medal more than once and just 11 agencies in the first year they regained eligibility after winning.

Click here to watch a video of CCPR winning the Gold Medal Award.

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Recreation & Facilities Focus on Safe Health + Wellness

UP TO THE CHALLENGE: SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY Providing high-quality service to our Monon Community Center members is our top priority.

This took on a whole new meaning as we navigated 2020, offering the very best service possible during a pandemic.

In order to keep our members and our team safe, we closed our doors from mid-March through mid-May 2020. From the beginning, our team worked closely with local and state health officials, and relied on best practices from the Back on Track Indiana plan, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Recreation and Park Association. In addition, we worked closely with the Hamilton County Health Department and a panel of respected doctors to develop our re-opening plan.

Closing our doors didn’t mean we ceased to offer health and wellness resources. During that time, and since then, we offered over 100 fitness videos on our social media channels as well as live videos available for members over Zoom. We also focused heavily on email communication

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with MCC members to keep them in the loop regarding updates to membership, offerings and updated safety procedures.

When the MCC reopened, and to this day, safety is our top priority. We continually assess our layout, offerings, and procedures to ensure we are providing the best experience possible.

Here are some ways we have adapted to fitness during COVID-19: • Launched new Group Fitness + Lap Lane registration platform to ensure spaces do not exceed capacity.

• Spread Fitness Center equipment throughout the facility and implemented enhanced cleaning procedures.

• Moved Group Fitness to the gymnasium and marked 6-by-6 squares for members to implement physical distancing during class.

• Implemented mask mandates in line with state guidelines.

• Placed signage throughout the facility outlining policies + procedures, including on fitness equipment indicating if it was sanitized or in need of sanitation.

• Placed hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility.

MCC member Lynn Rodibaugh shared that the virtual group fitness classes offered were invaluable to her.

to provide high-quality recreation and fitness opportunities for all.

“Everyone is at a different place in their life and questioning what is safe for them personally,” said Rodibaugh. “As long as I have options I feel as though I can take a holistic view to my health and adapt as I need to.”

We have always focused on providing inclusive, accessible recreation programming that meets the needs of our community. When the needs of our community change, so does our programming.

“The virtual class options have made me accountable and kept me motivated just the same as going in person and has been so beneficial to my schedule and life.”

This year it has been important to provide participants in our adaptive program with opportunities to explore, engage, learn and connect safely. Our recreation team did just that by providing virtual programming options as well as implementing a variety of enhanced safety measures once we were able to offer in-person programming. Since reopening in 2020, we offered 56 adaptive programs.

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“We don’t know what is around the corner so being able to feel confident that the MCC community will find a way for us all to stay connected is a real benefit to members. They’ve put a way to maintain my health and wellbeing first and foremost.”

The team’s willingness and ability to act nimbly, quickly, and thoughtfully, allowed the MCC to serve the community last year. In 2021, we’ll continue looking forward and remain open to tackling each new challenge in an effort

Suzanne M. is the parent of one of our adaptive participants. She shared that adaptive programs were a beacon of light for her family in 2020.

“In a time when so many other activities or even work was cancelled it has been a blessing to know that the Adaptive Program was still running,” Suzanne shared.

“Even as a virtual program it gives (my son) something to look forward to each week and that gives him a sense of hope.”

2020 in 2-ish Minutes Click here for a message from Eric Mehl, Recreation & Facilites Director, on his division’s challenges and successes in 2020.

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ESE & Camps Provide Safe, Educational + Recreational Experiences

PROVIDING THE BEST, NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCE At the start of 2020, both our Extended School Enrichment and Summer Camp Series were on track for a record-breaking year. But as the year went on, that inevitably changed. While this has undoubtedly been the most difficult, tumultuous year for our staff and programming since its inception in 2006, the purpose of this team—to provide safe, high quality educational + recreational experiences for the children in our community—remained the same.

FINISHING THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR When the pandemic hit, our team immediately jumped into action. As a before- and afterschool care provider, we have always worked closely with Carmel Clay Schools. When schools moved to virtual learning, our team found ways to complement the new environment. We offered educational resources, fun videos showing children how to do a craft or learn a new skill, as well as positive messages to the participants from their site-specific counselors.

HAPPY CAMPERS In summer 2020, we completely reimagined our traditional summer camp offerings to serve our community in spite of the limitations posed by COVID-19. More than 2,700 campers enrolled in

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the new summer camp offering, Camp F.I.R.E. (Fun, Innovation, Responsibility, Education).

This full-day camp was offered for ages 5-12, five days a week at three CCPR locations, the Monon Community Center, Jill Perelman Pavilion and Wilfong Pavilion.

Staff served each individual camper in an environment where health and safety were a priority. Due to diligent efforts by staff and the partnership with our families, Camp F.I.R.E. had zero cases of staff-to-staff, staff-to-camper or camper-to-camper COVID-19 spread.

While at Camp F.I.R.E., campers enjoyed plenty of outdoor time and physical activity. Parents reported their children had a new found love of

nature and the outdoors due to creek stomping, trail hiking and fishing experiences. Our reimagined camp offering allowed us to grow a new generation of naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts!

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They (staff) did an amazing job coping with constant changes from COVID. They engaged the kids in creative ways such as building habitats, lots of nature hikes, and pod contests! I think they did an amazing job with the ‘lemon of a summer’ they were handed!

Kudos to you all, you gave this family a lot of relief during a highly stressful time,” one parent shared.

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A NEW KIND OF SCHOOL YEAR In August 2020, ESE opened alongside Carmel Clay Schools to offer families safe before- and after-school programming at 11 elementary school sites.

ESE staff displayed herculean efforts to keep participants and staff safe and healthy in spite of fluctuating COVID-19 infection rates in the county, state and country; staff regularly went above and beyond established best practices to ensure safety of participants and coworkers.

The pandemic didn’t put a stop to the fun and learning at ESE. We continued to offer structured learning and recreation each day as well as small events. In October, each site hosted the annual Lights On Afterschool nationwide event to highlight the importance of offering safe,

engaging out-of-school programs for youth and their families. Each site celebrated in their own way, some hosted socially distanced, in-person events while others hosted virtual events for participants and their family members to enjoy from home.

Additionally, sites hosted other fun virtual and in-person events throughout the school year including family trivia, fall festivals, pumpkin decorating, costume parades and more.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS Every summer our campers participate in a service project. In 2020, our campers made hundreds of thank you cards for our frontline workers. Our team delivered the cards to hospitals, police stations, fire stations and grocery stores in our community.

One camper wrote: Thank you, Heroes!

Dear heroes, thank you for saving lives, taking risks, and persevering. Without you, we would have no hope.

We will never be able to repay you for what you have done.

You are awesome!

Click here and watch this video to hear from some of our Camp F.I.R.E. campers about what this project meant to them!

2020 in 2-ish Minutes Click here for a message from Jennifer Brown, Extended School Enrichment & Camps Director, on her division’s challenges and successes in 2020.

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Parks & Natural Resources focus on public safety + parks

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE: REIMAGINING OUR PARKS In 2020 we continued our focus on public safety + parks. When there were few places to venture, people turned to our spaces. Park visitation was higher in Indiana than in our neighboring states, which is a testament to the incredible opportunities available to Hoosiers—especially here in Carmel and Clay Township.

FORWARD STRIDES—CAREY GROVE, MEADOWLARK, FLOWING WELL + WEST PARKS The $30 million investment in our parks, playgrounds, greenways and facilities began in 2019, and in 2020 the park updates were well underway. Throughout the year, we made great strides forward on four of the six parks through the Reimagining Parks initiative thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program.

Carey Grove, Flowing Well and West Parks closed to the public to undergo construction.

Over the next year, these parks will be home to improved playgrounds, trails, parking, restrooms, shelters and more.

Jovana Shirley is a neighbor to Carey Grove Park, and her family has enjoyed many trips to

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the park over the years. She shared her family’s excitement about the updates coming to all CCPR parks.

“In the five years we’ve lived here, we’ve made so many treasured memories at Carey Grove Park, mostly because it’s all about spending quality time together — no distractions, no technology, just us, playing together and having fun as a family,” said Shirley. “We’re honestly excited to see all of the updates. We’ve been to nearly all of Carmel’s parks, and not one has been a disappointment. We know whatever Carmel Clay Parks has planned will exceed our expectations.”

Meadowlark Park is in the planning stages and will close + reopen in 2021.

STEWARDSHIP MAKES A LASTING IMPACT In 2020, volunteers delivered over 1,300 hours to our parks and programs. Volunteer events were put on hold for several months in an effort to keep everyone safe, which makes the impact made this year all the more incredible.

PARK STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CCPR hosted a variety of outdoor, socially distanced volunteer opportunities at our parks.

These included: GROWING OUR PARK SYSTEM In September, we acquired 26.91 acres of land near 146th Street and Shelborne Road, which is now called Bear Creek Park.

“This land acquisition is very exciting for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and our community,” said Michael Klitzing, Director for CCPR. “Obtaining additional property for a new park in northwest Carmel has been our goal for several years, and we are thrilled to now be in a position to develop and increase access to park and recreation opportunities in this area.”

Acquiring parkland in northwest Carmel was identified as a top priority of CCPR’s 20202024 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Prior to this acquisition, CCPR had only one park west of U.S. 31/Meridian Street.

Bear Creek Park was purchased using revenue generated from Park and Recreation Impact Fees, which are assessed on new residential development within the community.

Bear Creek Park will be developed over the next two to five years. The master planning process, which will guide development over the next 2-5 years, has begun. Opportunities for public input on future amenities will occur throughout the process.

• World Habitat Day: 31 volunteers planted 100 trees at the Vera Hinshaw Preserve targeting ongoing restoration efforts.

• United Nations Day: 13 volunteers planted 40 trees at Hazel Landing Park and learned about tree care and best practices.

• Native Seed Collection: 2 pounds of native seeds were collected at three different parks as part of Pollinator Partnership’s Project Wingspan.

Longtime CCPR volunteer Patty Steffen shared that what she enjoys most about our park system is that she’s always learning something new.

“What I enjoy most is the work we’re doing is making an impact beyond Carmel.”

“We’ve established this amazing native habitat here in our parks, and now not only do we get to enjoy its beauty and reap its benefits, but we get to share that with others. I’m grateful to be part of projects like this and encourage others to come out, too,” said Steffen.

2020 in 2-ish Minutes Click here for a message from Michael Allen, Parks & Natural Resources Director, on his division’s challenges and successes in 2020.

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BY THE NUMBERS EXTENDED SCHOOL ENRICHMENT & CAMPS Providing before and after school care in each of the school district’s 11 elementary schools through a partnership with Carmel Clay Schools.

• 2,475 participants enrolled during the 2019-2020 school year • 2,706 participants enrolled in the Summer Camp Series Reimagined Camp F.I.R.E. • 96% of respondents indicated that ESE provides a safe environment • 95% of parents/guardians stated that ESE provides a caring atmosphere for participants

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.

• 309,149 visitors to the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark • 929 Group Fitness classes offered • 84,112 Group Fitness class participants • 663 recreation programs offered • 6,428 recreation program participants

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

• 7 pollinator habitat focused Volunteer Stewardship projects -- including approximately 2 pounds of seed collected at 3 different partks to be used in the Project Wingspan national collaboration for habitat restoration • 75 cubic yards of invasive species biomass removed • 31 acres of invasive species management • $43,946 spent on invasive species management (Top 3 Invasive Targets: Bush Honeysuckle, Callery/Bradford Pear, Canada Thistle) • 280 Citizen Science volunteer hours including birdwatching, invasive plant removal, bluebird nest box building, and Hoosier Riverwatch monitoring as well as native seed collection • 210 tree hazards mitigated • 2,587 total work orders completed • 585 routine playground safety inspections conducted

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

• 41 recipients received financial assistance • $7,983.75 for Recreation & Facilities • $82,832.75 for Extended School Enrichment • $712.50 for Summer Camp Series

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YEAR-END FINANCIALS Where it came from TOTAL REVENUE: $9,862,979

38% $3,733,354 30% $3,000,359 29% $2,826,586 01% $121,109 01% $80,594 01% $100,976

GENERAL FUND PROGRAM FEES MEMBERSHIP & PASS SALES RENTAL FEES FOOD & BEVERAGE SALES OTHER

Where it went

TOTAL EXPENSES: $12,522,928

32% $3,975,528 28% 3,473,301 22% $2,792,645 07% $877,376 07% $834,36 04% $462,486 .9%

$107,222

MONON COMMUNITY CENTER

ADMIN & PARK MAINTENANCE BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS PROGRAMS

MARKETING

DOG PARK, WILFONG & JILL PERELMAN PAVILIONS

Capital Budget: $9,640,423

24% 19% $1,858,530 17% $1,646,211 16% $1,566,608 09% $892,211 02% $240,526 02% $196,085

BEAR CREEK PARK $2,306,569

CAREY GROVE PARK* CENTRAL PARK WEST PARK*

FLOWING WELL PARK* MEADOWLARK PARK* MONON COMMUNITY CENTER

02% 02% $173,901 01% $98,353 01% $93,297 01% $87,762 01% $58,690 02% $239,834

THE WATERPARK $181,842

*Denotes projects which were recipients of approximately $4,265,888 in funds made possible by the Clay Township Impact Program.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS RIVER HERITAGE PARK* WHITE RIVER CORRIDOR LAWRENCE W. INLOW PARK* MONON GREENWAY OTHER

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MISSION

The mission of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is to strengthen our community and serve residents through the aquisition, development and management of high quality, innovative parks and facilities for recreation, preservation and programming.

VISION

We envision an accessible system of vibrant community parks, diverse recreation facilities, sustainable park resources and engaging recreation programs that contribute to healthy individuals and families, an active and tightly-knit community, a thriving economy and a high quality of life in the city of Carmel and Clay Township.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE Director of Parks & Recreation Kurtis Baumgartner, CPRE Asst. Director of Parks & Recreation Michael Allen, CPRP Parks & Natural Resources Director Jennifer Brown ESE & Camps Director Sara Clark Administration & Planning Director Lindsay Labas, CPRP Marketing Director Eric Mehl, CPRP Recreation & Facilities Director Lynn Russell Human Resources Director 2020 PARK BOARD MEMBERS Richard F. Taylor III President James L. Engledow Vice President Jenn Kristunas Treasurer Nick Plopper Secretary Dr. Jessica Beer James D. Garretson Joshua A. Kirsh Linus Rude Lin Zheng