Inclusion Supervisor Kelvin with adaptive participant at the 5k race.

About Us

The value CCPR provides reaches far beyond the parks and facilities we manage and the services and programs we offer. It’s the moments we intentionally create that outlast all else. 

CCPR resident naturalist Karen works with children identifying wildflowers along some trails during the Knee High Naturalist program.

Join Our Team

By providing innovative, inclusive experiences, one park, person, and program at a time, we are stewards of a healthy community. Are you ready to make a difference in yours? 

Employment
Sean R. checking his Waterpark to-do list on his clipboard while riding the FlowRider.

Growing Up with a Love of Parks

Sean Robert always knew he wanted to help people. And now he’s in the position to mentor his own staff and help them succeed.

Read Sean's Story

    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

    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

    Make an Impact

    Playground and slide at Westermeier Commons park in Carmel

    Be Innovative

    Boy playing a card game in Extended School Enrichment (ESE)

    Plan for the Future

    Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation

    Click here for park board information + minutes

    Judy Hagan
    Judy Hagan
    Picture of Jonathan Blake.
    Jonathan Blake
    Picture of Katie Browning.
    Katie Browning
    Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Board Member
    Jenn Kristunas
    Vice President
    Lin headshot
    Lin Zheng
    Treasurer
    Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Board Members
    Linus Rude
    Secretary
    Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Board Member
    James D. Garretson
    Member
    Mark Westermeier headshot
    Mark Westermeier
    Member
    Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Board Member
    Joshua A. Kirsh
    Member

    Senior Management Staff

    Michael Klitzing, CPRE
    Executive Director/CEO
    Kurtis Baumgartner, CPRE
    Assistant Director/COO
    Eric Mehl, Administration & Planning Director
    Eric Mehl, CPRP
    Administration & Planning Director
    Jylian Headshot
    Jylian Riches
    Marketing & Communications Director
    Michael Allen Headshot Photo
    Michael Allen, CPRP
    Parks & Natural Resources Director
    Michael Normand, Recreation & Facilities Director
    Michael Normand, CPRP
    Recreation & Facilities Director
    Claudine Sutton
    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

    Awards

    Capra accredited 2014-2019 banner
    Nationally Accredited Agency
    Gold Medal Winner 2014 Banner
    Gold Medal Winner
    Barb King National Environmental Stewardship Award 2015 Banner
    Barb King National Environmental Stewardship Award
    Excellence in Inclusion Award 2016 Banner
    Excellence in Inclusion Award
    CAPRA accredited banner 2019-2024
    Nationally Accredited Agency
    Gold Medal Winner 2020
    Gold Medal Winner
    Nationally Accredited Summer Camp Provider Award 2022-2025
    Nationally Accredited Summer Camp Provider Award