Park Conversations Magazine | Spring 2024

Adaptive Murder Mystery Program Received Excellence Award

Welcome to the conversation.

As recreation professionals, we welcome the warmer weather and the vibrant energy it brings to our community. At Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, we are in the business of creating transformational experiences and lasting memories. Reflecting on the impact parks and recreation have had on my own life, from imaginative play on the playground to forming lifelong friendships in the parks, I am reminded of the universal power of these experiences to shape our lives.

In this edition of Park Conversations, the stories showcase the incredible impact of recreation on building community, discovering new hobbies, and fostering shared interests. We invite you to explore all that Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has to offer, hoping these stories inspire you to dive into new experiences and share your own stories with us. We hope to see you in the park this season!

Recreationally yours,

Michael Klitzing, CPRE Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO

We encourage you to share your stories!

GOING THE DISTANCE

From intern to award-winning therapist

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s (CCPR) adaptive programs empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, create and thrive together.

When Deborah Fisher learned that CCPR had a paid internship opportunity that would include work with drama therapyinformed programming, she knew no matter the obstacles she would need to overcome, the reward of working with such a respected program was something she “had” to do.

“In 2018, I needed an internship to complete the drama therapy registration process,” Fisher shares. “I was attending the North American Drama Therapy Association annual conference in Kansas City when I learned CCPR had a paid opportunity. I’d soon begin to make plans for life both ‘on the road’ and away from my home in Ohio.”

For some, pursuing an internship in another state may seem daunting, but for Fisher the value and rarity of the opportunity outweighed all else. The first step in her many-mile journey began before being accepted as an intern at CCPR. It started with her decision to pursue the alternative training route to becoming a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT).

“I’ve been in school, in some capacity, since 2006,” Fisher explains. “I started in special education, then transitioned to social work with a theatre minor. I have a master’s degree in social work as well. In 2016, I chose drama therapy as my intended career path, a discipline that would combine a multitude of my interests and educational experiences.”

The number of RDTs in the state of Indiana can be counted on one hand. To find a BoardCertified Trainer (BCT) like CCPR, that offered a paid internship plus the opportunity to assist with a Barrier-Free Theatre program was extraordinary.

Understanding Others –Understanding Herself

Fisher began her CCPR internship in June 2019. Since then, she’s worked with CCPR as an inclusion instructor, completing her 800 required internship hours and 1,500 required professional work hours for her drama therapy registration process.

“It’s taken a long time to satisfy my hourly requirements working only part-time. In fact,

I didn’t complete my professional hours until July 2023,” shares Fisher. “However, applying drama therapy and expanding its practice even further into the parks and recreation space has been amazing. The industry unknowingly supported my needs as well.”

Fisher’s needs over the past five years included gaining valuable knowledge in her craft, accumulating hours, learning from Barrier-Free Theatre experts (both past and present) at CCPR as well as receiving support for a personal invisible difference: ADHD.

“The diagnosis changed my life. I knew I always felt different,” Fisher shares. “When I received my ADHD diagnosis, I gained a new appreciation for CCPR and the pockets of people here who were gentle with me and took the time to understand — and there were some who already understood.”

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has been known for its expansive adaptive recreation program offerings for many years. With Fisher’s involvement, there’s been an even larger focus on continuing to improve neurodiversity-affirming programs.

“Deborah is so creative and hard-working,” Kelvin Solares, CCPR inclusion supervisor says. “Some of the ideas she implements into her programs we’ve adopted across the board because they have been so successful. For example, we now have fidget toys available for all participants.”

Creating inclusive spaces and planning accessible programs has been fulfilling for Fisher. It’s also been healing.

“I’ve worked in different industries, and I’ve come to learn some are just not compatible with how I operate,” Fisher states. “At CCPR, my job is always varied, so one day I may be teaching a program in Central Park and then the next having a floatin movie night in the Monon Community Center’s indoor pool. I’m not stuck behind a desk all day. With ADHD, movement and variety in my day-today is crucial.”

Goals Accomplished and New Sights Set

After many years of hard work, patience and creativity, Fisher became a Registered Drama Therapist in 2023.

“My favorite memory as an inclusion instructor was watching an adaptive participant, whom I’ve worked closely with for a long time, act in a theatre production outside of CCPR,” shares Fisher. “Her goal all along was to audition, and it was just this past fall I watched her perform.”

Award-Winning

In November 2023, Fisher’s original Adaptive Murder Mystery program series won the Inclusion Program of Excellence Award from the Indiana Parks & Recreation Association. Fisher designed each program’s theme and developed the characters by herself, using elements of drama therapy.

Fisher will be the first to tell you, the miles on the road and the obstacles she’s encountered during her journey both professionally and personally to become a drama therapist are rewarded every day.

Investing in the Future

Financial strategies for sustaining Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

Thanks to the community’s significant investment in parks and recreation infrastructure, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) has achieved much success in providing world-class amenities that improve the quality of life of our residents and visitors. Today, CCPR manages a 692-acre park system with an estimated asset value of over $407 million. To sustain existing assets and provide new amenities for our growing community, continued financial investment into the park system is required.

Achievements and Challenges

CCPR’s financial position must be viewed in several different lights. Due to its successful management practices, CCPR is an undisputed industry leader in achieving high levels of cost recovery in its operations minimizing reliance on tax dollars. CCPR has consistently maintained sufficient reserves to weather unforeseen circumstances in its revenue-generating operations, which was most evident during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic during which no tax subsidies were required for the Monon Community Center or Extended School Enrichment programs.

The City of Carmel has consistently provided additional tax funding necessary to manage expanding amenities in the park system that do not have the ability to generate revenue. This places the department in a sound position to maintain recently renovated parks, made possible in large part by the Clay Township Impact Program, and newer park spaces like Monon Boulevard and Midtown Plaza, developed by the City of Carmel.

As a result of the $55 million Central Park lease-rental bond originally issued in 2002, Clay Township currently receives a larger share of Local Income Tax (LIT) than it otherwise would receive. Under an agreement between the City of Carmel and Clay Township, this LIT is dedicated to CCPR for capital projects. From 2008 through 2023, CCPR received a cumulative total of $46,893,660 in LIT from the Township, which has been critical to the development of the park system. Once the Central Park Bond is paid off in January 2025, Clay Township will no longer have obligations to provide LIT or any other funding to CCPR.

Looking Toward the Future

CCPR is exploring opportunities to pursue new revenue sources to address future capital needs. A resource development coordinator was recently hired and tasked with building relationships within the community to secure gifts, donations, sponsorships, and grants that supplement the department’s other funding sources. Notably, CCPR received $5 million of grants in 2023, many times more than the department received in its first 32 years of existence. CCPR is also investigating funding mechanisms that may be available to the Park Board, Clay Township, and/or the City of Carmel to bring in new revenue without adversely impacting funding for other services.

Without new funding sources to replace the LIT currently received from Clay Township, CCPR will not have the financial means to make capital repairs and replacements to existing infrastructure, let alone acquire and develop new assets. CCPR understands the importance of routinely renovating and updating revenuegenerating amenities like the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark to maintain customer satisfaction that ultimately drives pass sales and revenue. Failure to do so risks creating a downward cycle for the department. Resolving CCPR’s capital funding is a top objective of the Park Board and elected officials to ensure the long-term success of the park system.

If you are interested in contributing to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation through a sponsorship or donation, please contact Kari Berger, resource development coordinator, at 317.573.4017 or kberger@carmelclayparks.com.

Cheryl Hedrick is on the trail and making a difference

In 2019, Cheryl Hedrick found herself transitioning to a new stage of life: empty nester. With her two daughters away at college, she set out to find meaningful ways to fill her time. That’s when Hedrick crossed paths with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR), literally.

“When your kids leave home, your schedule is no longer centered around their activities,” shares Hedrick. “You realize it’s time to relearn what you like to do and seek out opportunities to have new experiences and grow.”

She enrolled in CCPR’s On the Trail to Fitness, a personal trainer-led recreation program combining hiking local trails with strength exercises. While she didn’t know it at the time, this set her on a path of self-discovery through recreation.

Cultivating Connection

After enrolling in On the Trail to Fitness, Hedrick discovered CCPR offered a variety of

opportunities to explore her interests through recreation and volunteering. Over the last few years, she’s participated in nearly a dozen nature and wellness programs including Tai Chi and Indiana Master Naturalist.

“I’ve made so many friends over the last four years,” shares Hedrick. “CCPR helped me put myself out there in ways I haven’t done since high school. Participating in these programs opened my eyes to all the ways nature could impact my life and how I could impact nature.”

CCPR recreation program manager Alexa Waldrip shares that Hedrick’s experience is exactly the goal of recreation programs. “We strive to create spaces for the community to grow,” says Waldrip. “We want to offer opportunities that bring people joy whether that’s tied to meeting new people, exploring hobbies, or learning about the environment. We are lucky to witness the positive impact of recreation programming in our community every day.”

On the Trail and Beyond

On the Trail to Fitness participants have become a part of Hedrick’s community. The group walks year-round, often through the Woodland Garden in Central Park. Hedrick enjoys seeing the area throughout the different seasons and was struck by the idea of helping restore the area with native plants. When she shared the idea with the rest of the group, everyone jumped at the opportunity to collectively give back.

CCPR’s Adopt-A-Park program was the perfect fit. This is a long-term volunteer experience where individuals or groups share in the responsibility of maintaining a specific area of a park or trail.

“I’ve really gotten into the native plant scene,” says Hedrick. “The nature programs I’ve participated in with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation have inspired me. So much so that my friends from On the Trail to Fitness and I decided to adopt the Woodland Garden in Central Park.”

Hedrick spearheaded the Adopt-A-Park effort, finding that to be yet another avenue to spend time with others and apply her new knowledge and skills relating to native plants.

“I feel like I’m providing something back to the world,” Hedrick explains. “I want to help steward the environment for generations to come. It has been an amazing journey to learn, volunteer and connect through the opportunities Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation offers. I look forward to what else I’ll discover.”

Hedrick’s passion for native plants has even expanded into her pantry! Some of her favorite recipes include persimmon pudding or cranberry orange coffee cake with a pecan crumble.

For more information about how to become an Adopt-A-Park volunteer or to learn more about general volunteer opportunities, visit: carmelclayparks.com/volunteer.

“Our Adopt-a-Park program is unique because volunteers get to take ownership of a public space,” explains CCPR parks and natural resources director, Michael Allen. “It’s a special thing to be able to lend a hand in creating positive experiences for others in the community.”

DISCOVERING THE ARTIST IN EACH OF US

CCPR art programs support creativity no matter age or ability

Creativity takes courage said one of the great artists of all time – Henri Matisse. Local artist and Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s (CCPR) art instructor Zachariah Lowe agrees. In his words, creativity is human nature. His role? To guide and inspire untapped and budding artists to experience the joy of watching whatever is in their imagination become reality.

“It’s really about encouragement, support and freedom,” says Lowe. “Many of us were told at some point in our lives that we weren’t good artists or that we weren’t ‘staying inside the lines.’ My teaching philosophy is that art is organic to the individual and I’m here to help artists build whatever they are interested in creating. There is no bad art.”

At the Monon Community Center (MCC), arts & culture programs range from preschool-aged to youth and teen through adult. The focuses are just as varied, from hands-on activities designed to unleash young creative minds to selfexploration and self-care in the adult classes.

Art as a Community Resource

“These classes are meant to be a support for the community,” says Lowe. “CCPR is centered around exploring and caring for

nature and strengthening health. Our art and culture programs allow for unique self-creativity also meant to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection.”

The adaptive art programs at CCPR are designed for individuals with disabilities. The extensive offerings are built to spark creative energy. Participants work at their own pace, creating a safe space for personal artistic growth based on what they find most interesting.

“Art isn’t something concrete and shouldn’t be based on rules,” Lowe shares. “I’m passionate about art of all kinds and I hope to create an environment where each individual feels like they can explore. If they are into sketching, watercolors or want to see a character they’ve

seen in a video game or movie come to life within a treasured work of art — I’m all for it.”

Lowe has been an artist ever since he can remember. He says his parents were supportive of his journey from the beginning. After attending college for painting and drawing, Lowe became aware of the conformity and restrictions of how others defined art. Lowe began teaching at the MCC in 2021. Through his art programs, he’s determined to create the same support system and nurture the love for art that he had growing up.

Art is a Unique Journey

“I want to create a home for art here at CCPR,” Lowe says. “A place where anyone can come and express themselves without criticism and gain confidence as an artist – whatever that means to them. As long as they are growing, learning and feeling their own success then I feel happiness in supporting their journey.”

Lowe says as a community it is important for us to adapt our definition of “artist.” Anyone can be an artist.

“It’s just an evolution of the creative process that allows us all to fail, adapt and try again,” Lowe shares. “Sometimes I’ll paint 20 versions of something only to find that the 21st iteration becomes the one I’ve seen in my head since the very beginning. That’s a rewarding process and there isn’t a right or wrong way to walk that path.”

Lowe hopes to grow the program offerings at CCPR and encourages even the most uncertain potential artist to dip their toe in the creativity pool. The experience can be life-changing.

“Zachariah is a wonderful teacher. He takes time to engage with students and let them convey thoughts through critical thinking and then teach various forms of art. My daughter loves her art classes and I would give full credit to Zachariah’s instruction.”

– Fall 2023 Recreation Program Participant

Watch! In this video, you’ll hear more from Zachariah Lowe and learn about CCPR’s arts & culture programs.

PARTNERING TO BREAK DOWN FITNESS BARRIERS

The Monon Community Center helps marathon swimmer continue her wellness journey

Like many of us, Monon Community Center (MCC) member Rose Scovel found herself too preoccupied with everyday life to focus on fitness. She prioritized working, volunteering, and enjoying the quiet moments in between.

“I used to say things like, ‘I don’t run. So, if you ever see me running, you should probably run too.’” Scovel says, laughing. “It’s not that I didn’t want to get healthy, but there was always a reason or excuse as to why I couldn’t take that first step.”

That all changed when Scovel was diagnosed with diabetes in 2008. It was then she knew she needed to focus on breaking down her fitness barriers.

Motivation Through Marathon Training

“Diabetes is a progressive condition,” explains Scovel. “If I wanted to get better and stay better, I needed to make exercise a habit.”

So, that’s exactly what Scovel did. She started with walking, trying to maintain a goal of three 20-minute walks per week. It didn’t take long for that habit to grow into a passion for fitness.

Specifically, she found joy in endurance training and races.

Today, Scovel is a seasoned racer. She has over 100 finishes including half-marathons, marathons, 100-mile century bike rides, a triathlon, and an Ironman.

“I love the culture and community around endurance races,” says Scovel. “Training for the next big event became my main motivation to continue my fitness journey even when it was hard.”

Finding a Partner in Fitness

Endurance races require steady training, and Scovel wanted to ensure her body was up to the challenge. In 2021 she decided to try marathon swimming, long-distance swims conducted in open water such as rivers, lakes or the ocean with a course spanning five or more kilometers. That meant she needed to spend one to two hours a day swimming laps. Finding a pool where she could train with hours that worked with her busy schedule presented another fitness barrier.

Enter the MCC, a true partner in fitness for Scovel. The facility offers convenient hours plus

all the amenities she needs to train, from an indoor lap pool to an indoor track to a fitness center with treadmills, cycle bikes, and weights.

As an MCC member, Scovel has unlimited access to everything she needs to prep for the next big race and continue building her skills and strength.

The Importance of Community

Scovel strives to form connections in all aspects of her life from co-workers to fellow churchgoers and like-minded fitness enthusiasts. The MCC provided Scovel with more than space and equipment to train—it strengthened her with a support system that is wholly unique to the fitness community.

After she began training at the MCC, Scovel met and connected with other members who were also marathon swimmers, forming a tight-knit community that inspired and encouraged each other.

“Everyone knows Rose,” says Shannon Strzynski, MCC fitness and wellness supervisor. “She’s there to support and motivate someone else when she isn’t competing in an event herself.”

Exercise Made Easy

A few months into 2023 Scovel encountered another barrier to fitness when a fractured tibia left her unable to walk.

Scovel called the MCC to ask how they could help her swim safely. Staff assured her that someone could assist her in and out of the pool and that she could always request further modifications. Even with her injury, she was able to continue exercising at the MCC in the pool and in the fitness center with equipment like the hand bike. Because of the MCC’s support, by the end of the year, she walked in the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving and ran the Donut 5K in December. Her return to endurance sports happened early in 2024 with two half marathons on the books, including the Carmel HalfMarathon.

Many things keep us from realizing our true fitness potential. With so much stacked against her, it would have been easy for Scovel to give up on herself and her health. But with the MCC by her side, Scovel has a true partner in fitness and she’s feeling stronger than ever.