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

Our mission is to be a steward of a healthy community by providing transformative experiences.

Vision Statement

We envision being a national leader in parks & recreation, enhancing our community one park, program, and person at a time.

Watch + Learn About the Department

Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation

Click here for park board information + minutes

Judith F. Hagan

President

Jenn Kristunas

Vice President

Mark Westermeier

Treasurer

Katie Mueller

Secretary

Jonathan Blake

Member

James D. Garretson

Member

Josh Orahood

Member

Jon Shapiro

Member

Riddhi Shukla

Member

Senior Management Staff

Michael Klitzing, CPRE

Executive Director/CEO

Kurtis Baumgartner, CPRE

Assistant Director/COO

Eric Mehl, CPRP

Administration & Planning Director

Trudy Coler

Marketing & Communications Director

Michael Allen, CPRP

Parks & Natural Resources Director

Michael Normand, CPRP

Recreation & Facilities Director

Claudine Sutton, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-SC

Human Resources Director

Jennifer Brown

Extended School Enrichment/Summer Camp Series Director

Glancing at the Past & Looking Forward to the Future

2024

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) was awarded reaccreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA)

1992

A contest was held to choose our very first official department logo.

1993

A partnership was formed with Carmel Clay Schools to create a new program - Summer Fun Camp. This program offered 8 different camp sessions and attracted 160 total campers.