About Us
Nationally Recognized & Award-Winning Parks in Carmel, IN
Founded in 1991, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) was established through an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Carmel and Clay Township in Indiana. The organization was created to serve the nature and fitness needs of the community. From the beginning, CCPR has aimed to create a sustainable future for parks and recreation programs through a financially viable and environmentally conscious parks system. CCPR manages and maintains more than 700+ acres of park land and numerous recreation facilities, providing more than 5,000 annual classes and programs for all ages.
Mission Statement
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 Statement
We envision an accessible system of vibrant community parks, diverse recreational facilities, sustainable park resources and engaging 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.
Watch + Learn About the Department
Together We Will
We work together as one team to benefit the community. We inspire each other and display daily our core values - inclusion, impact, innovation and sustainability.
![Smiling Participant in our adaptive programs for all ages and interests](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Include-All.jpg)
Include All
![Smiling volunteers who are making an impact in nature and our parks. Our volunteer programs strive for community partnership and nature impact in Carmel and the surrounding areas](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Make-an-Impact.jpg)
Make an Impact
![Playground and slide at Westermeier Commons park in Carmel](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Be-Innovative.jpg)
Be Innovative
![Boy playing a card game in Extended School Enrichment (ESE)](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Plan-for-the-Future.jpg)
Plan for the Future
Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation
![Judy Hagan](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Carmel-Clay-Park-Foundation_Board-Member_2023-44-scaled.jpg)
![Picture of Jonathan Blake.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jonathan-Blake-e1707747278586.jpg)
![Picture of Katie Browning.](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kbrowningHeadshot-e1707746315888.jpg)
![Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Board Member](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Jenn-Kristunas-Headshot-2018.jpg)
![Lin headshot](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lin-zheng-headshot.jpg)
![Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Board Members](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Linus-Rude-Headshot-2018.jpg)
![Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Board Member](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/James-D-Garretson-Headshot-2018.jpg)
![Mark Westermeier headshot](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Headshot-Mark-Westermeier-1.jpg)
![Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Board Member](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Joshua-A-Kirsh-Headshot-2018.jpg)
Senior Management Staff
![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Michael-Klitzing-Headshot-2018-1-EDIT-scaled.jpg)
![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kurtis-Baumgartner-Headshot-Web.png)
![Eric Mehl, Administration & Planning Director](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Screen-Shot-2023-01-25-at-1.25.14-PM.png)
![Jylian Headshot](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_5953-4-e1630938184350.jpg)
![Michael Allen Headshot Photo](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/imageedit_1_4501268485.png)
![Michael Normand, Recreation & Facilities Director](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screen-Shot-2023-01-25-at-9.40.45-AM.png)
![Claudine Sutton](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-07-at-10.31.04-AM.png)
![](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Jennifer_Brown_Website.jpg)
Glancing at the Past & Looking Forward to the Future
Awards
![Capra accredited 2014-2019 banner](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4.png)
![Gold Medal Winner 2014 Banner](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6.png)
![Barb King National Environmental Stewardship Award 2015 Banner](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/9.png)
![Excellence in Inclusion Award 2016 Banner](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8.png)
![CAPRA accredited banner 2019-2024](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3.png)
![Gold Medal Winner 2020](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7.png)
![Nationally Accredited Summer Camp Provider Award 2022-2025](https://www.carmelclayparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5.png)