2022 Annual Report

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Few professions grant the opportunity to touch the lives of most all populations within their community. At Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR), championing parks, facilities, programs, and services – for all – is something we live every day. While our reputation for excellence precedes us, maintaining cutting-edge in all aspects of what we do requires intentional effort from our staff each year. The 2022 Annual Report offers a glimpse into the work we do to serve the people of the City of Carmel and Clay Township.

The past year was a defining moment for our park system and its future. Reimagined Meadowlark Park, Lawrence W. Inlow Park, River Heritage Park, and West Park all reopened to park visitors, providing experiences unlike any other in the nation. Looking forward, we continued the master planning process for our two newest properties, Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park and Bear Creek Park. Monon Community Center memberships and Extended School Enrichment enrollments neared previous all-time highs. Our Summer Camp Series received American Camp Association® accreditation, which provides evidence of our commitment to the wellbeing of campers and staff.

In 2022, success of our parks and recreation department was built on the efforts of passionate residents, engaged elected officials, Park Board members, and every employee on our CCPR team— now and before us. As the public increasingly looks to our department to address social, economic, and health outcomes, we enthusiastically step into our role as drivers of a healthy community.

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

Cover photos:

Top: River Heritage Park

Bottom: West Park

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.

CARMEL PARKS’ SUMMER CAMP SERIES EARNS ACA-ACCREDITED CAMP STATUS

In November, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s (CCPR) Summer Camp Series received accreditation from the American Camp Association® (ACA).

Receiving the ACA Accredited Camp status means that CCPR’s Summer Camp Series submitted to a thorough review of its operation by the ACA—from staff qualifications and training to emergency management—and complied with the highest standards in the industry.

“Earning ACA accreditation is a great honor,” said Jennifer Brown, CCPR Summer Camp Series Director. “It validates our team’s dedication and efforts to make summer camp a safe, engaging environment for children. This achievement demonstrates our excellence in operations, especially in the area of camper and staff safety.”

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.

CHAMPIONING A NEW ERA FOR OUR PARK SYSTEM

MORE REIMAGINED PARKS REOPENED

Since 2019, CCPR has received over $20 million from the Clay Township Impact Program (CTIP). With this investment, CCPR launched its Reimagining Parks initiative which included the renovation of six parks throughout Carmel and Clay Township.

Lawrence W. Inlow Park

The second phase of reimagined Inlow Park opened in June with an updated splash pad, pickleball courts, picnic shelters, year-round restrooms, and improved parking.

Meadowlark Park

Meadowlark Park opened in June with an updated playground, year-round restrooms, two shelters, improved parking, pickleball courts, a wheelchairaccessible fishing pier, an accessible boardwalk, and interpretive signage.

Each project included input from community leaders, stakeholders, local organizations, and the public. CCPR is proud to have worked with industry leaders in playground manufacturing, architecture, and landscaping at each reimagined park.

River Heritage Park

River Heritage Park opened in October, upgrades included accessible trails, White River overlooks, improved shelter, and new playgrounds with a focus on accessible play.

West Park

West Park opened in October with an updated playground, splash pad, year-round restrooms, shelters, improved parking, and connectivity to the Jill Perelman Pavilion.

Lawrence W. Inlow Park

Meadowlark Park

MASTER PLANNING FOR NEW PARK PROPERTIES

As our community continues to grow, we are excited for our park system to grow alongside it. In 2022, our team oversaw the development of master plans for two brand-new park properties, Bear Creek Park and Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park.

Bear Creek Park

One main goal identified in CCPR’s 2020-2024

Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan was to secure parkland on the west side of Carmel. In September of 2020, CCPR met this goal by acquiring Bear Creek Park, a 27-acre property located at 146th Street and Shelborne Road.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, CCPR developed the Bear Creek Park Master Plan. Community feedback was gathered through public input, steering committee meetings, focus groups, surveys, and on-site park tours. On June 14, 2022, the

Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation

adopted the Bear Creek Park Master Plan.

Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park

Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park (TMNP) was donated to CCPR in November of 2021.

The 63-acre park will provide an incredible opportunity to enhance park and recreation opportunities by expanding trails and environmental education near the White River. Throughout 2022, CCPR offered a variety of opportunities for the community to provide input on the future of TMNP.

The TMNP master plan was developed with public input, steering committee meetings, focus groups, the Ball State Anthropology Lab, and representatives from several Native American tribes.

The TMNP master plan will be presented to the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation for adoption in 2023.

River Heritage Park

West Park

Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park

Bear Creek Park

A FOCUS ON CONNECTIVITY

Trails and connectivity contribute to ecological, economic, and health benefits for a community. Over the course of 2022, we took steps toward expanding our trail network with the White River Greenway and invested in existing trail infrastructure along the Monon Greenway.

Grant funding supports White River Greenway expansion

Every five years, CCPR develops a comprehensive master plan to guide department goals. The 20202024 comprehensive master plan includes four priorities, including embracing the White River. In 2022, we made great forward progress toward that goal. CCPR received a $4 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant to expand the White River Greenway. READI grants are provided by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

The White River Greenway expansion is part of a regional effort to expand the greenway and turn attention toward the area’s largest natural resource— the White River. CCPR is honored to work alongside Conner Prairie and other partners on the expansion project.

Once complete, the White River Greenway will span over 5 miles in Carmel. The project also includes the addition of a river overlook, parking, and year-round restrooms. The project will break ground in 2023.

Investing in the Monon Greenway

A highly frequented route for runners, walkers, and bikers, the Monon Greenway sees hundreds of daily visitors. The trail’s popularity makes maintaining a clean, enjoyable route even more important. In 2022, CCPR invested in several Monon Greenway enhancement projects, including new kiosk signage, benches, bike racks, and improved surfaces.

CCPR is working with the Carmel High School (CHS) Art Department to design and paint murals inside four Monon Greenway pedestrian tunnels. In 2022, CHS art students helped paint a mural in the Monon Greenway tunnel that runs below 116th Street. The concept of the mural was created by Emily Garnes, a 2022 CHS graduate.

Garnes’ work was chosen by the Carmel Public Arts Advisory Committee from three finalists. Her design shows all four seasons, featuring Indiana native plants and animals. Approximately 20 CHS art students, with two art teachers, worked on actualizing the project in July.

DOG PARK EXPANSION

In fall of 2022, CCPR expanded the dog park to include an additional acre. This expansion was made possible by a generous donation from the Furry family and friends. The additional acre, which is wooded and has soft-surface trails, is named in honor of Amy Edenburn Furry.

“What’s exciting about the White River Greenway is that it’s going to be more naturefocused and provide that place for people to breathe fresh air and experience the trees and the wildlife that you’ll see along the trail.

CCPR Director Michael Klitzing told Indianapolis Business Journal

SUSTAINING EXCELLENCE, LEGACY AS RELIABLE COMMUNITY RESOURCE

In 2022, expectations from students, campers, and caregivers were exceeded yet again for those who participated in our after-school program and summer camps. Maintaining the highest level of excellence in childcare requires intentional effort from our staff each year, while curating the best educational and recreational opportunities for children in the community remained a focus.

CREATING COMMUNITY AFTER SCHOOL

In 2022, Extended School Enrichment (ESE) provided after-school care for nearly 2,000 Carmel students. Additionally, the ESE team continued implementing Awareness Days. First introduced in 2021, Awareness Days are special days where all 11 ESE sites participate in one overarching project. The purpose of these projects is to focus on meaningful topics, such as kindness and sustainability.

Each year, it’s important to recognize and celebrate our dedicated staff. In 2022, we observed Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week during April and Thank a Youth Worker Day in May. Students and caregivers joined in on the fun as we showered our outstanding team with gifts, prizes, and food.

FUN AND SAFETY – SETTING THE STANDARD

Summer 2022 was one of the best yet! Camper enrollment surpassed totals from previous years. Our Summer Camp Series had 6,992 campers enrolled—an increase of nearly 1,800 over summer 2021.

To share their experience and provide feedback, caregivers are invited to complete a survey at the conclusion of each summer camp season. Findings reported caregivers are highly satisfied with the program, giving at least 4.7 out of a 5-star rating. Additionally, 97 percent of caregivers stated they would recommend our summer camps to a friend.

“ESE is great! The team is very kind, professional, and personable. Our daughter enjoys spending her afternoons in the program very much. Thank you all so much for providing a fun, safe environment so us working parents can get our jobs done with no worries. We appreciate you all!

2022 ESE Parent

MAINTAINING THE CUTTING-EDGE AT THE MCC & THE WATERPARK

IMPLEMENTING TRENDS AND COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

The Recreation & Facilities team strives to provide high-quality experiences for Monon Community Center (MCC) members by staying current on the latest fitness trends, regularly evaluating equipment life cycles and layout, and openly seeking feedback to improve the member/guest experience.

One example in 2022 was demoing new treadmills in the fitness center. In January and February, members were invited to try out three different treadmills and share their feedback. After dozens of submissions, survey findings helped our team select two new treadmill options to purchase for the facility.

The fitness center was also outfitted with brand-new sets of dumbbells that have an extra special touch—the CCPR logo.

BEAUTIFICATION OF THE WATERPARK

Each summer, thousands of guests from near and far visit The Waterpark. In an effort to provide the best experience for guests, The Waterpark underwent several beautification projects in 2022, including new cabana furniture, FlowRider® surface, and panels on The Wall (AquaClimb®).

“I know these past couple of years have been trying, but I appreciate all the work and effort that's been made to keep the MCC a valuable resource in our community.

Teresa A., MCC Member

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH RECREATION

CONNECTING RECREATION

Offering inclusive programs and facilities has always been a priority for CCPR. In September 2022, the department launched an Adaptive Community Facebook Group to provide additional space for individuals with disabilities and their families to meaningfully connect—both with CCPR and with one another.

The Adaptive Community Facebook Group promotes CCPR recreation programs, shares participant photos, and disseminates information about other relevant community events and resources. By the end of 2022, there were 117 members in the group.

CELEBRATING PROGRAMS

In October, CCPR curated its first National Arts & Humanities art gallery. Twenty-four artists of all abilities showcased their work in photography, watercolor, drawing, and more.

“

I am so grateful for your efforts. There are lots of places where my son (and, as a result, my whole family) would fall through the cracks, so we are incredibly grateful for the efforts CCPR is making to provide so many inclusive activities.

Rebekah H., Adaptive Community Facebook Group Member

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.

• 2,055 participants enrolled during the 2021-2022 school year

• 6,992 participants enrolled in the Summer Camp Series

• 93% of surveyed parents/guardians indicated ESE provides a safe environment

• 100% 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.

• 579,077 visitors to the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark

• 1,292 Group Fitness classes offered

• 94,605 Group Fitness class participants

• 1,054 recreation programs offered

• 12,861 recreation program participants

PARKS & NATURAL RESOURCES

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

• 172 acres of invasive species management

• $92,530 spent on invasive species management (internal, volunteer, contractor). Top three invasive targets: Asian bush honeysuckle, Burning bush, Callery pear

• 3,357.46 volunteer hours

• 140 total volunteer hours dedicated to pollinator habitat with four seed collection events at Founders Park, West Park, and Central Park, and seven seed sorting events

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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

• 138 recipients received financial assistance

• $11,614 for Recreation & Facilities

• $85,281.25 for Extended School Enrichment

• $270 for Summer Camp Series

YEAR-END FINANCIALS

WHERE IT CAME FROM

TOTAL REVENUE: $15,003,545

34% MEMBERSHIP & PASS SALES $5,163,641

33% PROGRAM FEES $4,975,711

27% GENERAL FUND $4,113,173

2% RENTAL FEES $267,074

1% FOOD & BEVERAGE SALES $195,444

2% OTHER $288,501

WHERE IT WENT

TOTAL EXPENSES: $13,153,618

33% MONON COMMUNITY CENTER $4,375,229

29% ADMIN & PARK MAINTENANCE $3,814,770

19% BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL $2,516,604

8% SUMMER CAMPS $1,079,678

6% PROGRAMS $790,925

3% MARKETING $424,516

1% DOG PARK, WILFONG & PERELMAN PAVILIONS $151,896

Capital Budget: $11,483,151

25.6% WEST PARK* $2,941,648

21.8% RIVER HERITAGE PARK* $2,501,924

16.9% MEADOWLARK PARK* $1,937,023

9.6% LAWRENCE W. INLOW PARK* $1,101,626

7.0% CENTRAL PARK* $800,899

4.8% MONON COMMUNITY CENTER $546,842

4.1% MONON GREENWAY $472,703

2.6% THE WATERPARK $293,819

1.7% FLOWING WELL PARK* $198,856

1.3% HAZARD TREE REMOVAL $149,475

1.1% THOMAS MARCUCCILLI NATURE PARK $131,881

0.9% WHITE RIVER CORRIDOR $108,251

0.9% BEAR CREEK PARK $100,517

1.7% OTHER $197,689

*Denotes projects which were recipients of approximately $7,018,963 in funds made possible by the Clay Township Impact Program.

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

Michael Allen, CPRP Parks & Natural Resources Director

Jennifer Brown Extended School Enrichment & Camps Director

Eric Mehl, CPRP Administration & Planning Director

Michael Normand, CPRP Recreation & Facilities Director

Jylian Riches Marketing & Communications Director

Claudine Sutton, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Human Resources Director

2022 PARK BOARD

Richard F. Taylor III, President

Jenn Kristunas, Vice President

Lin Zheng, Treasurer

Linus Rude, Secretary

Dr. Jessica Beer

James D. Garretson

Louise Jackson

Joshua A. Kirsh

Mark Westermeier