Welcome to Park Conversations
Park Conversations is a biannual magazine that spotlights the conversations happening throughout Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. We want our members, program participants, and park users to be seen and heard, and Park Conversations does just that.
The impact of parks and recreation can truly be transformative! Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is fortunate to offer something for everyone. We encourage you to explore the science of nature, engage in our adaptive programs, connect with others on the playground, or find a better you through fitness and wellness.
Keep the conversation going! SHARE YOUR OWN STORY.
![Michael Klitzing speaking during Meadowlark Park ribbon cutting (2022)](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Michael-Headshot.png)
This year I was honored to celebrate my 19th work anniversary with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR). It’s hard to believe, but I joined as our 11th full-time employee before construction of the Monon Community Center or launching the Extended School Enrichment program. Today CCPR has 72 full-time and 570+ part-time and seasonal employees – all dedicated to providing exceptional service for our community!
We have a tremendous team, each with their own fascinating pathways to joining CCPR. In this issue, we spotlight Michael Normand, one of our senior managers who started with us as an intern. He has risen through the ranks and today directs our Recreation and Facilities Division, including the Monon Community Center.
During my tenure with CCPR, I’ve witnessed incredible growth in our department and community. Parks and recreation are special because they offer opportunities for transformative experiences and lifelong memories. Parks and recreation offer space for fun, learning, and growth for everyone.
We are proud to share this edition of Park Conversations. You’ll find stories of strength, resilience, and the many ways parks and recreation can support you through all seasons of life. We encourage you to explore our parks and programs this fall—we’re sure to have something for you. Help us keep the conversation going – share your story with us!
Recreationally Yours,
Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE
Director of Parks and Recreation
Stories We’re Helping Tell
![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shirley-Family-Parks-Staged-Photos-2020-09-17-15-scaled.jpg)
Investing in the Future
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cheryl-Hedrick-Adopt-A-Park-Jan-2024-10-scaled.jpg)
Rediscovering Herself In Nature
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rose-Scovel-Feb-2024-02-scaled.jpg)
Partnering To Break Down Fitness Barriers
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_0643-e1698279198257.jpg)
A Unique Natural Legacy
Amy Edenburn Furry Memorial Dog Trail is a place where dogs can explore and thrive
Read More![Michael Normand headshot](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mike-Normand-Headshot-scaled.jpg)
A Parks & Recreation Career Path
Work-life balance and community support for next generation workers
Read More![close up of frog](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AdobeStock_90645050-scaled.jpeg)
![Jill Perelman Pavilion at West Park](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/West-Park-Jill-Perelman-Pavilion-2019-08-06-51-scaled-e1698281690163.jpg)
![MCC member JoNell S. and cycle instructor Courtney at the Monon Community Center](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Park-Conversations_Fall-2023_JoNell_-058-scaled-e1698281891885.jpg)
Memories are Important for Wellness Too
MCC member focuses on “gold” lining during cancer battle
Read More![Tomas Sliva header for Park Conversations story. Photo collage of Tomas finishing the Adaptive 5k, with his bike on the trail, and at a Barrier Free event.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Header-Images-for-Website-28.png)
Variety is the Spice of Life: Recreation programs delight even the most adventurous at heart
Read More![Collage of volunteer photos](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screen-Shot-2023-07-11-at-9.33.28-PM.png)
Volunteers Make a Difference, One Park at a Time
Adopt-A-Park volunteers take an active role in caring for our community's natural resources.
Read More![Molly McGeehan at ESE at Forest Dale Elementary](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DSC04799-e1688742567105.jpg)
![Marc Zolner holds weights during a group fitness class at the MCC. Text reads: One Price. One Place. All Access.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1-1.png)
One Price. One Place. All Access.
Read More![Park visitors sit on a bench at Meadowlark Park](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screen-Shot-2023-06-06-at-9.39.30-AM.png)
![Art instructor Zachary Lowe working with an adult student on acrylic paint pouring.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Header-Images-for-Website.png)
Nurturing and Exploring the Artist in Each of Us
Read More![Some of the playground equipment featured at the newly reimagined River Heritage Park, including the completely wheelchair accessible swing.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Page-7-9.png)
Reimagining River Heritage Park
Read More![Janine Beazley at the end of her iron man race in Dublin, Ireland posing for a photo with family and friends that supported her during the race.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Flora-Fauna-Website-Slider.png)
MCC Offers One-Stop Training for Half Iron Man – Make that Half Iron Woman
Read More![Joanna and participant during nature program at Hazel Landing Park.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PC-Nature-Programming-Feature-Image.png)
Explore. Engage. Connect — With Nature
We're reimagining recreation with a focus on nature.
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MicrosoftTeams-image-3.png)
Meant for This
How life experiences inspire Kelvin Solares to "Include All" in the Carmel community.
Read More![Students look on at how park plans and concepts are brought to life on concept boards.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-02-at-12.47.42-PM.png)
Reimagining West Park
In fall 2022, West Park will reopen with a completely reimagined play experience.
Read More![MCC Member Amanda Luper lifting weights in the fitness center](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Amanda-Luper-4-e1636650807670.jpg)
Finding Strength + Accountability at the MCC
Amanda Luper found strength, accountability and community at the MCC.
Read More![Sensory friendly trick or treat](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_6538-1.jpg)
CCPR Makes Recreation Accessible for All Abilities
Read More![Gold medal awards](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Background-Slider.jpg)
Q&A with Michael Klitzing
To celebrate this year's milestone, Klitzing took a moment to reflect on his time with CCPR over its 30 year history.
Read More![Jim and Rich](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/30th-Anniversary-19-cropped.jpg)
Q&A with Jim Engledow + Rich Taylor
In celebration of CCPR’s 30th anniversary, these two Park Board presidents took time to reflect on their role with CCPR.
Read More![Mark Westermeier](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/30th-Anniversary-Mark-4.jpg)
Q&A with Mark Westermeier
Westermeier reflected on his time with CCPR over its 30-year history.
Read More![Sue and Judy](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DSCN0576-1.jpg)
![Kids at ESE](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ESE-CW-WC-CC-2021-03.jpg)
Convenient Before and After School Care for Families
CCPR’s ESE program is tested and trusted by Carmel families.
Read More![Flora and Fauna](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Flora-Fauna-Website-Header.jpg)
Flora + Fauna
Creating Balance: In our parks, our backyards and around the world. CCPR is making a difference and so can you.
Read More![Breanna jumping in front of the Monon Community Center](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Breanna-Park-Conversations-2020-25-1.jpg)
Movement for Every Body
Registered Dance/Movement Therapist teaches programming at the MCC. Get to know Breanna Davis!
Read More![People walking in Meadowlark Park](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PC-Meadowlark-Header-Photo-2021.jpg)
Reimagining Meadowlark Park
On April 1, Meadowlark Park will close as it undergoes construction as part of our Reimagining Parks initiative.
Read More![Frog](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Park-Conversations-Website-Graphics-Header-Card-2020-10-27-Mudpie.jpg)
Mud Pie Anyone?
Nature programs create lifelong naturalists promoting a love of the great outdoors.
Read More![Group Fitness Class](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Park-Conversations-Website-Graphics-Header-Card-2020-10-27-Virtual.jpg)
Connecting Community
Virtual fitness classes keep MCC members connected and their fitness on track during COVID-related closure.
Read More![Carey Grove](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Park-Conversations-Website-Graphics-Header-Card-2020-10-27-Carey-Grove-e1603983823674.jpg)
Reimagining Carey Grove Park
Beloved Carey Grove Park undergoes renovations and enhancements ensuring memorable outdoor fun.
Read More![Lex in an adaptive program](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Park-Conversations-Website-Graphics-Header-Card-2020-10-27-Inclusion-e1603820708728.jpg)
Inclusion at Every Age
Adaptive programming creates a nurturing and safe environment for continuing skill development.
Read More![Volunteer header](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Park-Conversations-Website-Graphics-Header-Card-2020-10-27-Pollinators.jpg)
Protecting Imperiled Pollinators
Native seed collection through Project Wingspan boosts the monarch and rusty patch bumblebee population.
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Header-Images-2020-05-08-Community-1.jpg)
Growth through Community
The Monon Community Center offers amenities and a fitness community to call home.
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Header-Images-2020-05-08-Teaching.jpg)
Teaching Takes a Global Path
Dena Osting has taught all around the globe, but her journey brought her back to where she started — making a difference in her hometown.
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Header-Images-2020-05-08-Native-Habitats-72dpi.jpg)
Help our Native Habitats
Make a difference in your own backyard with tips from our Natural Resources team about eradicating invasive species!
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Header-Images-2020-05-08-Flowing-Well-72dpi.jpg)
Reimagining Flowing Well Park
With a national park feel right here in Carmel, people are coming from far and wide to visit for the experience.
Read More![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Header-Images-2020-05-08-Independence-72dpi.jpg)
The Path to Independence
Over the last decade, Michael + Jessica Sharkey have been on their own path to independence. Adaptive programming at the MCC has helped them along the way.
Read More![Hank and Laura Feature](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hank-and-laura-header.png)
Growing is Good for You
Take a chance on yourself and see what a difference change can make in your body, mind and spirit.
Read More![Sean Robert riding FlowRider](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Park_Conversations_Sean_Header.png)
![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Park_Conversations_Business_Headers.png)
![CCPR volunteer on invasive species removal day](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Park_Conversations_Volunteer_Header.png)
Engaging with the Park System
Volunteering is a way to connect with nature and future generations
Read More![ESE Students on playground after school](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Park_Conversations_ESE_Header.png)
The Student Voice Matters
Empowering students to use their voice leads to happiness, fun and learning
Read More![trees in the fall](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/header_photo_monica.png)
A Walk with Nature
Monica Cannaley has participated in the On the Trail to Fitness program every week since 2014! Learn more about the program and what keeps her coming back for more.
Read More![Jumanah smiling](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Jumanah.jpg)
A Journey to Transformation
Jumanah Alsaffar found all the tools she needed for her transformation at the Monon Community Center. Now, this real-life wonder woman is unstoppable.
Read More![Jack and his wife on vacation](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/jack.jpg)
Preparing for the Trip of a Lifetime
Jack Brummett traveled to see world wonders. His journey started at the Monon Community Center.
Read More![Brittany at a Citezen Science Program](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Citizen_Scientists.jpg)
Diving into our Soil
Brittany McAdams, our natural resources coordinator, helps the community understand our history and our future through our soil.
Read More![Kids on the playground at Lawrence W Inlow Park](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1501_3.jpg)
Inlow Park: An Inclusive Community Adventure
Explorers of all abilities will find a unique, hands-on experience at the newly renovated Lawrence W. Inlow Park!
Read More![Michael Sharkey acting on stage](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Adaptive-Roundabout-Playback-Troupe-Promotion-2016-03-13-49.jpg)
BIG Dreams Become Reality
Michelle Yadon, our inclusion supervisor, has big dreams for our adaptive participants and programming.
Read More