2023 Annual Report

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Since Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) was founded in 1991, we have strived to actively engage with and seek feedback from the community. The sustained dialogue with the public over the last thirty years is a key factor in making CCPR a national leader in parks and recreation. Hearing directly from our community and using that feedback to inform decisions—from park amenities to program offerings and beyond—ensures we truly serve your park and recreation needs.

Last year, we began drafting our comprehensive park and recreation master plan—a process we undergo every five years. My favorite part of the process is gathering input. This includes feedback from the public, elected officials, stakeholders, and CCPR staff. Throughout the year we heard from thousands of constituents regarding their vision for the future of parks and recreation, and we are thrilled to begin working toward our shared vision.

Beyond the master planning process, the past year was full of bright moments for CCPR. We received the Indiana Park and Recreation Association’s Inclusion Program of Excellence Award and the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide’s Chaucie’s Champion Award, both signifying our dedication to providing safe and meaningful programming. We also implemented several improvements throughout our parks and hosted our first annual end-of-year appreciation event for staff.

Our successes in 2023 are reflective of our passionate residents, engaged elected officials, dedicated Park Board members, as well as each and every member of the CCPR team. As we begin a new chapter in 2024, we look forward to providing the community with transformative park and recreation experiences.

Recreationally yours,

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

Scan here for a video message from Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO

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.

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.

YOUR PARKS, YOUR VOICE! CCPR ENGAGES THE COMMUNITY IN MASTER PLAN PROCESS

Every five years, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) develops a new parks and recreation master plan utilizing internal assessment, data collection and public input to help determine how the department can better serve an ever-changing and growing community. This feedback allows CCPR to create a snapshot in time of the wants and needs of its users.

Due to CCPR’s incredible success in implementing its 2020-2024 master plan as well as operational changes because of the pandemic, CCPR began the process of developing its new master plan in 2023.

CCPR made an intentional effort to collect a variety of feedback. By attending local events, hosting stakeholder interviews, and completing a statistically valid public survey and subsequent online survey, we are confident the community’s vision for the future of CCPR is clearly represented in the master plan.

Upon adoption in 2024, the master plan will guide CCPR’s priorities over the next five years.

PARKS AND NATURE PROGRAMMING

COMMEMORATING JIM ENGLEDOW’S LEGACY

In honor and remembrance of Jim Engledow, the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation unanimously passed a resolution in March to name the central portion of West Park, “Jim Engledow Commons.” This area comprises the playground, splash pad, and picnic shelters.

Engledow dedicated 20 years, eight as president, to the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation and was devoted to the Carmel Clay community. Throughout his tenure, CCPR twice won the National Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the highest honor for a park and recreation agency. On many occasions, Engledow shared that West Park was his favorite park to visit, especially with his grandchildren.

CCPR held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony in August.

ENGAGING STUDENTS IN THE CHINESE GARDEN MASTER PLAN

CCPR partnered with Purdue University Professor of Landscape Architecture Dr. Yiwei Huang and Purdue University students in the landscape architecture program, including a Carmel High School graduate, to develop plans for a Chinese Garden. The public was invited to provide feedback on the project via an online survey and in-person workshop. In June, the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation adopted the master plan for the Chinese Garden.

As we develop plans for a new public garden, we are excited to cotinue our tradition of engaging with the community. We are grateful to Dr. Huang and the Purdue University students for their help in facilitating public input opportunities. “ ”

— Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO

The future garden will honor the Carmel-Xiangyang Sister City initiative, which was created in 2012 to promote educational and cultural exchange between the city of Carmel and the city of Xiangyang, China.

JimEngledowatWestermeier Commons ribboncutting, 2016.

CCPR installed five new SaveStations®, which contain an automated external defibrillator (AED) and bleeding control kit. There are now 10 SaveStations® located throughout the park system and the city of Carmel.

AEDs are used to help those experiencing cardiac arrest. If activated, emergency personnel are dispatched to provide care. Cardiac arrest victims who are administered a shock from a bystander have 2.62 times higher odds of survival and 2.73 times more favorable outcomes as compared to people who first received an AED shock by emergency responders.

Our long-term goal is to have an AED at each of our parks as well as additional AEDs along the Monon and other greenways. To date, we have worked with generous donors including Be Like Bill, IU Health North/Bolt for the Heart, and Dr. Tim & Denise Hannon.

2023 PARK HIGHLIGHTS

SaveStations® are currently installed at the following locations:

1. Monon Greenway & Midtown Plaza

2. Monon Greenway & Main Street

3. Monon Greenway & City Center Restroom

4. Monon Greenway & Smoky Row

5. Monon Greenway & Gradle Drive

6. Monon Greenway Central Park Trailhead

7. Westermeier Commons

8. Lawrence W. Inlow Park

9. Meadowlark Park

10. West Park

CCPR aims to provide exceptional park experiences by continually evaluating our park properties and amenities. This year, we implemented several changes throughout our parks and were honored to receive recognition for park projects.

Central Park Lagoon Trail

With the addition of a 950-foot paved trail, park users can now enjoy a full loop trail around the Central Park lagoon.

West Park Hammock Stations

Parkgoers can now relax and lounge at West Park with six newly installed hammock stations which provide passive outdoor enjoyment.

Meadowlark Park Recognized

Meadowlark Park received a Merit Award in the Landscape Architecture category at the annual Indy Chamber Monumental Awards, which celebrate excellence in the built environment in the nine-county Indianapolis region.

West Park Perimeter Path

The 116th Street perimeter trail was extended from the Jill Perelman Pavilion entry drive to the western border of the park. A crosswalk was installed to connect the trail to the existing path in front of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla on the south side of 116th Street. The additional trail is approximately 1/3-mile in length and plays a pivotal role in connecting Towne and Shelborne Roads and providing a safe route for pedestrians and bicyclists to access West Park.

Prairie Meadow Interpretive Signage

New educational signage in Prairie Meadow Park offers an interactive experience to learn about watersheds, stormwater and ecology.

Funding for the signage was raised by the Rain on Main program—an annual painted rain barrel art contest and auction—in partnership with Carmel Utilities, City of Carmel Storm Water Department, and Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District.

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR STUDENT CARE

ESE NAMED CHAUCIE’S CHAMPION

Extended School Enrichment (ESE) was named the 2023 Chaucie’s Champion by the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide (ICPYAS). The Chaucie’s Champion Award honors a community member or organization that embodies ICPYAS’s mission to end youth abuse and suicide by advocating for and protecting Hoosier children.

ESE has committed to enroll staff in an ICPYAS program called Stewards of Children, a child sexual abuse prevention program designed to educate adults about the appropriate steps for handling situations that involve child sexual abuse. It is the only national program scientifically proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes and change child-protective behaviors, according to the ICPYAS.

In addition, ESE provides Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training to its staff. QPR is a practice used to recognize the warning signs of suicide and save someone who may be at risk. Since the ESE program began in 2006, 949 employees have been trained in the Stewards of Children program and 196 have completed the QPR program.

CELEBRATING AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION ACCREDITATION

In April, our Summer Camp Series (SCS) celebrated American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation with a banner unveiling and reception. SCS was awarded accreditation from the ACA for its proven commitment to the well-being of campers and staff. Earning ACA accreditation demonstrates our excellence in operations, while also validating our team’s dedication and efforts to make summer camp a safe, engaging environment for children.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE CHILD AT TIME

Our 2023 Summer Camp Series had 6,925 camp enrollments. To share their experience and provide feedback, caregivers are encouraged to complete the annual summer camp survey. Findings reported guardians are highly satisfied with the program, with 97 percent giving at least 4 out of a 5-star rating and 98 percent stating they would recommend our summer camps to a friend.

I am very satisfied with the professionalism of SCS counselors. It is hard to drop your children off at camp when all you want to do is play with them all summer. When they are excited each morning to go to camp, it makes this momma’s heart so full! “ ”

— SCS Parent

2023 STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

STAFF PRESENT AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Thirteen staff members attended the annual National Recreation and Park Association conference in Dallas. CCPR staff led three sessions at the conference highlighting our work with community engagement in the park planning process, internal culture initiatives, as well as financial strategies implemented throughout and following the pandemic.

CCPR GIVES BACK

CCPR encourages staff to actively engage with and give back to the community. Full- and part-time staff were invited to participate in paid quarterly volunteer events. Twenty-seven staff donated their time and efforts to local non-profit organizations Children’s TherAplay, New Hope of Indiana, Random Acts of Flowers, and the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide.

END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION & H.I.V.E. AWARDS

In December, CCPR hosted its first End-of-Year staff appreciation event which included hors d’oeuvres, activities, and H.I.V.E. Value Awards. The H.I.V.E. Value Awards represent our core values of holistic, inclusive, visionary, and ecological as well as the Polly Above and Bee-yond Award which recognizes staff members who go above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. Staff were encouraged to nominate their peers for the awards and over 70 nominations were submitted. In total, 10 staff members were recognized, with a full and part-time staff member receiving an award in each category.

2023 AWARD WINNERS

• Kat Dora, Group Fitness Instructor

• Emma Laux, Marketing & Communications Manager

• Anna Thorp, ESE/SCS Counselor

• Sean Robert, Assistant Director of Recreation & Facilities

• Melinda Bridgham, Payroll Coordinator

• Aimee Rich, Inclusion & Engagement Supervisor

• Susan Heckaman, ESE/SCS Counselor

• Caitlin May, Volunteer Coordinator

• David Federspill, Outdoor Parks Worker

• John Lampe, Recreation Services Manager

CREATING A SAFE, ACCOMMODATING SPACE FOR ALL

AWARD-WINNING INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING

In November, CCPR received the Inclusion Program of Excellence Award at the annual Indiana Park and Recreation Association conference. This award recognizes a parks and recreation agency for its effort to provide inclusive opportunities and programming.

CCPR received the award for its Adaptive Murder Mystery Social, a drama-therapy informed program series designed for individuals with disabilities. The one-of-a-kind program was created by Deborah Fisher, adaptive program instructor and registered drama therapist. Each program has a unique theme and gives classic murder mystery dinner parties a personalized spin with drama therapy-informed activities, custom-built sets and catered food. CCPR has hosted four Murder Mystery Socials, each with a different theme: cruise ship, fairgrounds, haunted theatre, and wonderland. Since introducing the program in 2022, fifty-six community members have participated.

Drama therapy uses theatre techniques to help participants work through their issues in a safe and meaningful way. Role-playing and improvisation provide participants with the freedom to explore and express emotions without fear of being judged, improving their well-being and interpersonal skills. “ ”

— Deborah Fisher

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT THE MONON COMMUNITY CENTER & THE WATERPARK

ENGAGEMENT THROUGH REWARDS + COMMUNITY

The Monon Community Center (MCC) kicked off the new year by launching My Monon Rewards, a program aimed to keep members motivated, engaged and inspired in their fitness journey. Each month, members were given challenges such as trying a new group fitness class, visiting the facility five times within the month, or participating in free bring-a-friend days. By completing challenges, members were entered into drawings to win a variety of fun fitness prizes. Throughout the year, we received more than 2,000 challenge submissions.

FITNESS-FORWARD THINKING

The Recreation & Facilities team continues to provide top-of-the-line customer service for MCC members by evaluating equipment lifecycles and layout, utilizing floor space for maximum efficiency, and openly seeking feedback to improve the member experience.

In January, weight equipment was expanded into the cardio area to create a blended, more cohesive space. This provided members with more room to utilize equipment for an efficient and enjoyable workout. Additionally, several pieces of cardio equipment were replaced including ellipticals, smart bikes and stair climbers.

ENHACING THE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

The MCC strives to provide members with a strong fitness community. In January, the MCC Member Facebook group launched to connect gym-goers and enhance the member experience in and out of the facility.

The MCC Member Facebook Group promotes group fitness classes and amenities, provides helpful fitness tips and tricks, shares relevant fitness and wellness blogs, and highlights member stories. By the end of the year, the group had 583 members.

We want to know! What is your favorite Summer activity at the MCC?

29%

25%

9%

3%

5% Water Walking Lap Swimming Trail Walking Cycling Running

MEETING HIGH DEMANDS

The Waterpark is a popular summer destination with over 104,000 visits in 2023. To meet the high demand of the park’s existing cabanas, which were regularly full, 10 new cabanas were constructed before the start of the season.

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.

• 2,746 participants enrolled during the 2022-2023 school year

• 6,925 participants enrolled in the Summer Camp Series

• 99% of surveyed parents/guardians indicated ESE provides a safe environment

• 98% 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.

• 688,348 visitors to the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark

• 1,388 Group Fitness classes offered

• 123,787 Group Fitness class participants

• 939 recreation programs offered

• 13,709 recreation program participants

PARKS & NATURAL RESOURCES

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

• 120 acres of invasive species management

• $114,944 spent on invasive species management (internal, volunteer, contractor). Top three invasive targets: Amur honeysuckle, Callery pear, and garlic mustard

• 3,946 volunteer hours

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

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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

• 77 recipients received financial assistance

• $8,557 for Recreation and Facilities scholarships

• $102,335 for Extended School Enrichment

• $350 for Summer Camp Series

WHERE IT CAME FROM

WHERE IT WENT

TOTAL EXPENSES: $16,088,815

ADMIN & PARK MAINTENANCE $5,123,458

MONON COMMUNITY CENTER

$5,120,731

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL

$3,011,397 PROGRAMS $905,633 SUMMER CAMPS

$1,249,298 MARKETING $477,012

DOG PARK, WILFONG & PERELMAN PAVILIONS $201,285

MISSION

The mission of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is to strengthen our community and serve residents through the acquisition, 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 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

Michael Normand, CPRP Recreation & Facilities Director

Jylian Riches Marketing & Communications Director

Claudine Sutton, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Human Resources Director

2023 PARK BOARD

Richard F. Taylor III, President

Jenn Kristunas, Vice President

Lin Zheng, Treasurer

Linus Rude, Secretary

James Garretson

Carrie Holle

Joshua A. Kirsh

Kristin Kouka

Mark Westermeier