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
- PARK OPEN SUNRISE TO SUNSET EXCEPT FOR APPROVED ACTIVITIES
- PARKS ARE TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE ZONES
- HELP KEEP YOUR PARKS BEAUTIFUL
- Bag and dispose of pet waste
- Place all litter in appropriate trash containers
- Drive and park only on roadways and designated parking areas
- Wildlife and vegetation should not be disturbed
- HELP KEEP YOUR PARKS SAFE
- Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, spray parks, water features or buildings
- Adult supervision recommended for children in playgrounds and spray parks
- Report inappropriate conduct to Carmel Police
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails or park grounds
- Fires are permitted only in permanent park-provided grills
- Swimming, wading and ice fishing are not permitted
- Skateboards, bicycles, and rollerblades are not permitted in shelters, buildings or on playgrounds
- HELP KEEP YOUR PARKS FUN!
- Keep all pets leashed
- Exercise pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Avoid playing loud music that disturbs others
- Soliciting or use of park for profit is prohibited without a permit
- Help keep wildlife wild – Please do not feed water fowl or wild animal
- Fishing is permitted with fishing license (required for those 18 and over only). May keep 5 total 14″+ Largemouth Bass or 10 total Channel Catfish at any size. Click here for more information.
Report inappropriate conduct to Carmel Police: 317.571.2580
Report maintenance concerns to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation: 317.573.4044