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

Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation

Click here for park board information + minutes

Judy Hagan

President

Jonathan Blake

Member

Katie Browning

Member

Jenn Kristunas

Vice President

Lin Zheng

Treasurer

Linus Rude

Secretary

James D. Garretson

Member

Mark Westermeier

Member

Joshua A. Kirsh

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

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.

1994

The first General Parks Development Plan was complete, which included renovations to Meadowlark Park, the creation of Carey Grove Park and the beginning of construction at Flowing Well Park.

1998

Three new parks were created that are still popular in the community today - River Heritage, Prairie Meadow and Hazel Landing Parks.

2001

Celebrating 10 years of operation! The Monon Greenway, “Everybody’s Playground” at River Heritage Park and the splash pads at Inlow and West Parks officially opened to the public.

2005

First annual Tour de Carmel.

2006

Extended School Enrichment, the department’s before and after school program, was first introduced to Carmel Clay Schools.

2007

On Memorial Day, the Monon Center and The Waterpark opened its doors for the first time.

2010

Central Park became the first park in the state of Indiana to become certified by the Indiana Wildlife Federation as wildlife friendly, making CCPR the first park system in Indiana to be wildlife friendly certified.