Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation to Furlough Some Employees Starting April 18
Carmel, Ind. (April 15, 2020) – Efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including the Governor’s Stay at Home Order, have altered what everyone can and cannot do. Unfortunately, these necessary decisions to save lives, made by elected leaders and public health officials, have significantly impacted businesses and organizations throughout the state and country, including Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR).
Since March 12, most of the programs and services provided by CCPR have been mandated by an executive order from the Governor to temporarily cease operations, including the Monon Community Center and Extended School Enrichment. Because of these closures, CCPR no longer has incoming revenue from user fees and memberships crucial to help cover operating expenses, including payroll.
Effective April 18, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has no other viable option but to furlough 471 of their employees. Twenty-four full-time positions and nearly all part-time positions are impacted by the decision. CCPR will continue to pay regular contributions toward health insurance for full-time staff impacted by the furlough to allow these crucial benefits to continue during this pandemic.
“The realities we face during these unprecedented times require us to make some very difficult decisions. Decisions I sincerely wish we did not have to make. It is our hope, and we remain optimistic, that the furlough is temporary and we can bring our people back as soon as possible,” said Michael Klitzing director of parks and recreation. “While I cannot predict when things will get back to normal, or what the new normal will look like, I do know we will get through this. When we do, the programs and services Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation provides will be even more important for our community.”
CCPR will also provide resources such as access to an Employee Assistance Program, and guidance for staff to file for unemployment compensation.
CCPR’s goal is to bring every person back on the payroll as soon as financial conditions permit. When operations are able to resume, each and every employee will be critical in helping Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation once again be the best part of each member’s, participant’s or visitor’s day.
About Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) holds the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for parks serving populations of 75,001 to 150,000. As an accredited agency, the department serves the recreation, fitness and nature needs of the community, manages and develops existing spaces and resources and creates a sustainable future for parks and recreation programs through a financially viable and environmentally conscious parks system. CCPR manages and maintains more than 500 park acres and numerous recreation facilities, including the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark. In addition, CCPR has partnered with Carmel Clay Schools to establish Extended School Enrichment (ESE), a before and after-school care program for K-6 students located at all eleven Carmel elementary schools. The Summer Camp Series is a component of ESE that offers 12 different summer camps accommodating children ages 5-15. For more information, visit carmelclayparks.com.
