annual
report 2018
greetings! On behalf of the entire team at Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, it is my sincere honor to share with you a glimpse of our accomplishments over the past year. Thanks to the tremendous support from the community, we continue to build upon our legacy as a nationally accredited, Gold Medal award-winning park and recreation system. As we celebrate our 2018 highlights, I must say that one is bittersweet as we said farewell to Director Mark Westermeier upon his well-earned retirement. He will be missed, yet we know Mark’s support is never-ending as he enjoys the park system that was built under his 15+ years of leadership. While this annual report presents a moment to reflect on our achievements, I am most excited about building upon our culture of innovation and inclusion as we prepare for a sustainable future. My commitment to you is that Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will continue to enrich the community we serve by providing exceptional experiences and lasting memories. Regards,
Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE Director of Parks & Recreation
WESTERMEIER COMMONS Mark Westermeier served as Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation director for over 15 years. Upon his retirement in December 2018, West Commons was renamed Westermeier Commons in his honor. This regional attraction will serve as a tribute to Westermeier’s impact on the department and the community.
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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 THE COMMUNITY.
CENTRAL DOG PARK EXPANDED Since its inception, the Dog Park has been a hit with both pups and humans alike. Due to high demands for membership from our furry friends, we increased the size of the park by expanding the dog run area by approximately 1 acre. This expansion allows members to have increased access to the park during turf maintenance closures. ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM LAUNCHED The Adopt-A-Park program provides an opportunity for the community to help maintain the Department’s parks, trails and natural areas. Volunteers share in the responsibility of maintaining natural resources and have a hand in sustainability. The Adopt-A-Park program brought partners to the Monon Greenway and Founders Park pollinator gardens. MONON COMMUNITY CENTER REVITALIZED The Monon Community Center is a gathering place for families, friends and organizations. In 2018, the facility received a new, revitalized look. By replacing the furniture in all public spaces guests can make better use of common areas. An underutilized meeting space was converted into the new East Studios allowing for the addition of 22 Group Fitness classes per week. Fitness Center enhancements included replacing carpet with new rubber flooring, which allows far more versatility in the space. Cardio equipment that had met its lifespan was replaced, and a few additional pieces of equipment were added to the floor. The free-weights area was completely revamped with all new equipment.
STAFF SPEAK UP AT CONFERENCES Eight employees spoke at conferences including the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference and the Indiana Out-of-School-Time Summit.
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providing exceptional experiences
IN A COMMUNITY RENOWNED FOR ITS WORLD-CLASS PARKS AND FACILITIES, CARMEL CLAY PARKS & RECREATION IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE TO EVERYONE SERVED.
MONON GREENWAY & ROTARY FOUNTAIN RENOVATED The Monon Greenway is a 5-mile oasis that runs through the community. The Department is committed to the maintenance and upkeep of this well-loved community resource. The southern half of the greenway, approximately 2.8 miles, was resurfaced. The Rotary Plaza, a 10+ year-old feature, also received a face lift including a new fountain, lighting, brick façade and stainless-steel grates. BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL RECEIVED PRAISE Extended School Enrichment (ESE) provides high-quality before and after school programming for the children and families in our community. Results from our biannual survey show 89% of parents/ guardians strongly agreed the program provides a caring atmosphere for students. In addition, 94% of respondents strongly agreed that it provides a safe environment. KLITZING RECEIVED NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL AWARD Michael Klitzing received the National Distinguished Professional Award by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the parks and recreation field through leadership, research, advocacy, community outreach and program development. DEPARTMENT HOSTS NATIONAL CONFERENCE OFF-SITE INSTITUTES Indianapolis hosted the 2018 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference. Over 8,000 visitors from across the country were invited to tour prominent parks and facilities. The Department was selected as a local host for two off-site institutes showcasing some of Carmel’s best amenities—Central Park, the Monon Community Center, Central Dog Park and Lawrence W. Inlow Park.
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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.
LIGHTING CONVERSION AT THE MONON COMMUNITY CENTER The Department continually works toward making its parks and facilities more sustainable. The green choice was made to replace all parking lot lighting and high bay lamps at the Monon Community Center with LED lightbulbs. Compared to fluorescent and incandescent lights, LED lights are extremely energy efficient, which will allow for a return on investment in under two years and continue to provide significant overall cost savings for years to come. FOCUSED ON NATURE CONSERVANCY This core focus was established to meet the needs of the community and create a sustainable future for parks. Through restoration, maintenance and programming CCPR kept this mission at the forefront in 2018. • The inaugural BioBlitz was hosted at West Park in collaboration with University High School. The purpose of the BioBlitz is to conduct biological surveillance in order to record all living species within the designated area. The Department partnered with experts from Indiana Audobon Society, Indiana Native Plant Society, Cardno, Hoosier Herpetological Society, IUPUI and Butler University to successfully identify over 182 species. Volunteers also played a big role logging over 280 hours. • Seven native prairie zones in Central Park were restored totaling approximately one acre. • The Department’s natural resources coordinator hosted five My Park Series hikes to educate the community about the importance of the parks system by providing historical context and highlighting unique natural resource features of each park throughout the hike.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STILL A MAJOR FOCUS The Department took the lead in Indiana with the number of certified recreation professionals. • 2 Certified Park & Recreation Executives (CPRE). • 16 Certified Park & Recreation Professionals (CPRP).
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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.
• 2,548 before and after school enrollment for the 2017–18 school year.
• 11 Lights on After School events held—Indiana’s largest statewide event to-date. • 6,838 participants enrolled in the Summer Camp Series.
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. • 122,101 day passes sold.
• 629,018 member visits.
• 1,390 Group Fitness classes offered.
• 110,940 Group Fitness class participants.
• 2,081 recreation programs offered.
• 25,977 recreation program participants. PARKS & GREENWAYS Providing outlets to enjoy the outdoors through award-winning parks, nature preserves, greenways and park stewardship opportunities.
• 957 tree hazards mitigated throughout the park system.
• 27 acres managed for invasive and nuisance species.
• 2,734 volunteer hours—53% were dedicated to park stewardship projects.
• 17 different community organizations completed park stewardship projects.
• 213 new dogs registered as Central Dog Park members.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Dedicated to serving all Carmel Clay residents, scholarships and fee waivers have been awarded to individuals and families with economic challenges.
• 239 recipients received financial assistance.
• $14,691 for Monon Community Center and recreation programs.
• $110,814 for Extended School Enrichment (2017–18 school year).
• $6,743 for Summer Camp Series.
financials
OPERATING BUDGET: $12,637,408
Earned Income: $10,611,166 | Cost Recovery: 84% TAL REVENUE TO
EXPENSE TAL S TO
WHERE IT CAME FROM
WHERE IT WENT
3,677,131 $1
37% 37% 22% $3,065,965 02% $215,540 01% $131,636 01% $137,944
FEES PROGRAM $5,120,794 & PASS SALES MEMBERSHIP $5,005,252 GENERAL FUND
FOOD & BEVERAGE SALES RENTAL FEES OTHER
2,637,408 $1
35% 24% 22% $2,796,687 09% $1,174,472 06% $752,196 03% $415,019 .5% $60,193
COMMUNITY CENTER MONON $4,438,764 & AFTER SCHOOL BEFORE $3,000,177
ADMIN & PARK MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
SUMMER CAMPS MARKETING
DOG PARK & WILFONG PAVILION
CAPITAL BUDGET: $9,285,449
47% $4,344,907 14% $1,256,607 13% $1,244,702 13% $1,233,795
WEST PARK
MONON COMMUNITY CENTER CENTRAL PARK LAWRENCE W. INLOW PARK
04% $338,113 03% $254,373 02% $178,043 01% $135,095 03% $299,813
MONON GREENWAY HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL THE WATERPARK FLEET REPLACEMENT OTHER
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 Assistant Director Michael Allen, CPRP Park Maintenance Director Ben Johnson ESE & Camps Director Audrey Kostrzewa, CPRP Business Services Director Lindsay Labas, CPRP Marketing Director Eric Mehl, CPRP Monon Community Center Director Lynn Russell Human Resources Director 2018 PARK BOARD MEMBERS Richard F. Taylor III President James L. Engledow Vice President Jenn Kristunas Treasurer Nick Plopper Secretary Katie Browning Wendy Franklin James D. Garretson Joshua A. Kirsh Linus Rude