Founders Park
Founders Park sits at the corner of 116th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway.
This 37-acre park offers a large shelter, restroom facility, open sports fields, walking trails, and playground area. On the nature-inspired playground kids will find swings, a giant sandbox, climbing and play structures, and so much more. Beyond the playground, you can enjoy plenty of actual nature including native prairie, wetlands, and a pond. Sitting at the top of this park is the Wilfong Pavilion. The pavilion has a beautiful sunset view and is great for large events. It also hosts some of our campers every summer as part of our Summer Camp Series.
Exciting updates are coming to Founders Park in 2025!
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is prioritizing safety and accessibility with improvements. Curious about these changes? Click below to learn more about potential upcoming enhancements that will make Founders Park an even better place for families to enjoy!
Features
- Seasonal Drinking Fountain
- Seasonal Foot Wash Station
- Fishing
- Prairie Grass
- Open Greenspace
- Playground
- Soccer/Lacrosse Field
- Soft Surface & Paved Trails
- Picnic Shelter (with electricity)
- Year-round Restrooms
- Wilfong Pavilion
- Bike Rack
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General Park Rules
For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, please follow these rules and courtesies
- Parks are open sunrise to sunset except for approved activities
- Parks are tobacco, alcohol, e-cigarette, vaping, and drug-free zone
HELP KEEP YOUR PARKS BEAUTIFUL
- Bag and dispose of pet waste
- Place all litter in appropriate trash containers
- Glass containers are prohibited within parks and greenways
- Drive and park only on roadways and designated parking areas
- Wildlife and vegetation should not be disturbed
HELP KEEP YOUR PARKS SAFE
- Pets are prohibited in playgrounds, splash pads, and restrooms
- Equines are prohibited in parks, except when used by law enforcement
- Adult supervision recommended for children in playgrounds and splash pads
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails or park grounds
- Fires are permitted only in permanent park-provided grills
- Unless posted as a “No swimming area”, swimming or wading is permitted in creeks and rivers at your own risk
- Swimming, wading, ice fishing, and ice skating are prohibited on ponds
- Skateboards, bicycles, and rollerblades are prohibited in playgrounds, splash pads, shelters, and restrooms
HELP KEEP YOUR PARKS FUN
- Keep all pets leashed, on a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Avoid playing loud music that disturbs others
- Soliciting or use of parks for profit is prohibited without a permit
- Help keep wildlife wild – Please do not feed waterfowl or wild animals
For the full list of park & greenway rules, please click here
Personal assistive mobility devices may be used in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Report inappropriate conduct to Carmel Police: 317.733.1282
Report maintenance concerns to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation: 317.573.4044