Coronavirus Information | Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

COVID-19 Information

Your health and safety are important to us. Below is information for Monon Community Center members, recreation programming participants, park users, Extended School Enrichment students, rentals and Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation staff.

Back on Track Indiana: Our Resumption of Operations Plan
With the release of the Governor’s Back on Track Indiana plan, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation looks forward to providing opportunities for the public to once again explore, engage and connect with our award-winning park system. CCPR has proactively identified and established safety protocols for the phased reopening of our parks, programs, and facilities. Visitors and participants will notice a variety of significant changes to CCPR’s operations, especially during the initial phases of implementation, to best ensure everyone’s wellbeing.

“In preparing our resumption of operations plan, CCPR relied on best practices from the Back on Track Indiana plan, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Recreation and Park Association, among other sources,” explained Michael Klitzing, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We also want to thank the Hamilton County Health Department and a panel of respected doctors for reviewing and providing valuable feedback on our plan.” The panel was comprised of Dr. Michael Kaufmann, Dr. Tracey Ikerd, and Dr. Timothy Hannon.

The reopening plan is available in the links below. Area-specific information may also be found in the below dropdowns. Stages are subject to change based on CDC guidance and other new information. Additional restrictions could apply.

RESUMPTION OF OPERATIONS PLAN (VERSION 3.0)

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation – Resumption of Operations Plan

MONON COMMUNITY CENTER – RESUMPTION OF OPERATIONS PLAN

Parks & Greenways – Resumption of Operations Plan
Monon Community Center: OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY.
We are excited to share that as part of the Governor’s Back on Track Indiana Plan, the Monon Community Center is able to re-open May 24. Please view the link below in regard to area-specific timelines for opening.

MCC Reopening Plan

Safety is our number one priority. To ensure that you feel safe returning to the facility, we wanted to share our reopening plan. Our team has relied on best practices from the Back on Track Indiana plan, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Recreation and Park Association and worked closely with the Hamilton County Health Department and a panel of respected doctors to develop our plan.

When we re-open, it will not be business as usual. Keep reading for updates to our amenities and changes to procedures.

General Notes
- If you are sick or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
- We encourage you to perform a temperature check at home prior to visiting the facility.
- The MCC will only be open to current members by reservation. Click here to reserve your spot for the Cardio + Free Weights Area, Group Fitness Classes + Indoor Pool.
- Walk-ins/Day Pass Users will not be admitted.
- The MCC will be closed from 1-4 p.m. for a mid-day cleaning.
- Members 14 years and younger will not be admitted.
- The Gymnasium (basketball courts), KidZone, Track, Sauna will remain closed until July 4.
- Pass billing will resume May 24. Currently, billing has been extended for any days lost from your March payment (i.e. if your membership was billed on March 1, you lost 16 days of access to the facility. Your next billing will not occur until 16 days after reopening). If you are unable to or uncomfortable returning to the facility based on the restrictions we have in place, you may request an additional extension to your pass (link to form coming soon). Youth passes will automatically be extended until restrictions on this age group are lifted. Additional information below.*
Fitness Center
- Equipment has been spread out to promote physical distancing.
- Our team will clean equipment after each use. Via signage, we will inform you as to whether the equipment is clean or needs to be cleaned.
- Only every other locker in the locker room will be available for use. Via signage, we will inform you as to whether lockers are clean or need to be cleaned.
- Saunas will remain closed.
- Towel services will be temporarily suspended. If you would like to use a towel, please bring one from home.
- Admittance is to current members only by reservation. Click here to reserve your spot for the Cardio + Free Weights Area.
Aquatics
- The lap pool will be open for six members at a time, one member per lane.
- The activity pool will remain closed.
- Admittance is to current members only by reservation. Click here to reserve your spot for the Indoor Lap Pool.
Group Fitness Classes
- For now, we are offering an abbreviated group fitness schedule which will be available online in the coming weeks.
- SilverSneakers®️ classes will continue to be offered exclusively online for members and the general public.
- Class sizes will be capped.
- Admittance is to current members only by reservation. Click here to reserve your spot for Group Fitness Classes.
We look forward to seeing you back at the Monon Community Center soon.

*Payment Processing

Safety is our number one priority. To ensure you feel safe returning to the Monon Community Center we are allowing temporary continuation of pass/membership suspensions for anyone who is uncomfortable returning due to safety or due to our restrictions during our phased reopening plan. Youth pass suspensions will automatically be extended until restrictions on this age group are lifted.

Any billed days missed due to our closure will be credited back to you upon your return. Passes will remain suspended and billing will not resume until the date you decide to return.

MEMBERSHIP SUSPENSION BILLING

Monthly Memberships: Effective March 16, we are suspending all monthly payment charges until we are cleared by public health officials to re-open the Monon Community Center (MCC). Once the Monon Community Center resumes operations, we will extend your membership the full length of the closure (i.e. if your last payment was processed on March 13 and the MCC is closed for 14 days, your next bill will not process until at least April 27 or later).

Annual Memberships: However long the facility is closed, we will extend your membership past your current expiration date.

Cancelation Requests: You are still able to cancel your membership through the regular process at this time by submitting an online request; however, please keep in mind that if you cancel now and want to re-up later you will need to re-establish and setup your account and go through all of the new membership paperwork. We ask that you please use “Coronavirus Closure” as your reason for cancelation. If you decide to keep your membership and do not submit a cancelation request, we will automatically suspend the monthly payment charges until we are cleared to re-open the facility. There will be no prorated refunds.
The Waterpark: Expected to open June 14
The Waterpark is expected to open on June 14. Other important things to note are:
- Capacity will be limited to no more than 50% of the typical capacity.
- Cash will be accepted, but guests are encouraged to use credit/debit cards as much as possible.
- Patrons will be encouraged to wear face coverings at all times when not actively swimming or in line for a ride or attraction.
- Lawn chairs will not be provided this season. Guests will be permitted to bring their own folding chairs.
- Lazy River will not open until at least July 4. We will be unable to provide tubes during the first phase of opening.
- Drinking fountains will be closed; however, guests may bring personal water bottles to fill at the fill stations to stay hydrated.
- Water fitness classes will not be provided until at least July 4.
- To assist in controlling capacity, we will only be accepting Day-Of rentals for the Cabanas. Additionally, Birthday party packages and reservations will not be sold until after July 4.
Program Updates: Offering modified summer programs. Registration open.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreational programming for our community each season. While we have to offer a modified schedule this summer, we offer formats for all abilities and ages. Our program categories include aquatics, nature, science & technology, sports, enrichment, creative arts, adaptive, senior and wellness.

Modified Program Guide

Register
Summer Camp Series: Offering modified camps. Enrolled parents/guardians, see below.
We understand that safe, high-quality summer camp programming for your child is more than a luxury; it is essential to your family.

The health + safety of our campers and staff is our top priority. In order to keep everyone safe this summer, we have determined that we cannot offer our camps as they were originally developed. Instead, we will offer modified camps running every weekday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in various facilities around Carmel. All camps will be programmed for general camper interests with an emphasis on fresh air and active play.

Enrollment for Summer Camps is closed as all spots are filled.
Rental Status Updates
All shelter rentals have been canceled through May 23. We will not be accepting any rentals for the month of May.

All facility rentals (Monon Community Center and Wilfong Pavilion) are canceled through Labor Day, September 7.

If you’ve previously made a Waterpark after hour rental, please keep in mind that your rental may be canceled if we deem it necessary. We encourage you to reschedule next year due to the current situation. We are no longer accepting any additional requests for this summer.

We are no longer taking pre-reservations for Cabanas or the Party Patio until we know the status of The Waterpark opening. To assist in controlling capacity, we will only be accepting Day-Of rentals for the Cabanas. Additionally, Birthday party packages and reservations will not be sold until after July 4.

At West Park, restrooms will remain open. The playground and splash pad will remain closed per the Governor’s Executive Order.

At Westermeier Commons & Lawrence W. Inlow Park, restrooms will remain closed per the Governor’s Executive Order.

At River Heritage Park, restrooms will remain closed per the Governor’s Executive Order.
Playgrounds, Restrooms, Parks + Trails
We understand that our services are an important place for the health and physical activity of our community. Playgrounds + splash pads remain closed.
- All sections of the Monon Greenway are now open.
  - If the Monon Greenway is busy please avoid the area. As an alternative consider visiting trails in our parks.
  - Always maintain physical distancing.
  - Hand sanitizer stations have been placed along Monon Boulevard and around Midtown Plaza, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Allied Solutions.
  - Trailhead restrooms at 96th Street and Rohrer Road are open.
- Parks and open spaces are partially open, with some amenities remaining closed.
  - Playgrounds and splash pads will remain closed until further notice, per Indiana Executive Order 20-28. The State has provided no guidance as to when playgrounds will be able to reopen.
  - Central Park skatepark is open.
  - Central Dog Park is partially open. The grass section for large dogs remains closed due to wet conditions from all of the recent rain. The mulched zone for large dogs is open.
  - Restrooms are open in the following locations:
    - Central Park:
      
      Dog park & east woods latrine.
      
      Westermeier Commons restrooms remain closed.
    - Hazel Landing Park:
      
      Portable toilet and hand washing station.
    - Meadowlark Park:
      
      Portable toilet and hand washing station.
    - West Park:
      
      Main restrooms are open.
      
      Jill Perelman Pavilion restrooms remain closed.
  - Restrooms located to support playgrounds remain closed in an effort to help discourage use of the playgrounds
- Flowing Well Park is closed (effective May 3) due to park improvements and upgrades currently underway. Click here for more information.
- Please practice physical distancing and avoid close contact with others. The CDC recommends a minimum of 6 feet distance to help reduce the risk of spread between individuals.
- Do not congregate in groups of 10 people or more. While we pride ourselves on being a friendly community, please avoid social gatherings in our parks at this time.
- We need your help to keep our parks safe to you and others. Please stay home if you are sick and practice good hygiene. Sanitize your hands after touching surfaces within the parks. Avoid touching your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Place garbage in trash receptacles.
- Please be aware of travel restrictions in your area.
Dog Park: PARTIALLY OPEN.
We understand that our services are an important place for the health and physical activity of our community. Central Dog Park is partially open. The grass section for large dogs remains closed due to wet conditions from all of the recent rain. The mulched zone for large dogs is open. Restrooms at Central Dog Park are open. While visiting our parks and trails, please be aware of the following:
- Please practice physical distancing and avoid close contact with others. The CDC recommends a minimum of 6 feet distance to help reduce the risk of spread between individuals. It is also recommended to wear face coverings per local, state and federal recommendations.
- Do not congregate in groups of 10 people or more. While we pride ourselves on being a friendly community, please avoid social gatherings in our parks at this time.
- We need your help to keep our parks safe to you and others. Please stay home if you are sick and practice good hygiene. Sanitize your hands after touching surfaces within the parks. Avoid touching your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Place garbage in trash receptacles.
- Cancelation Requests: You are still able to cancel your membership through the regular process at this time by emailing Matt Wilhelm; however, please keep in mind that if you cancel now, you will be added to the end of the waitlist if you decide you would like to re-join once we reopen. If you decide to keep your membership and do not submit a cancelation request, we will automatically suspend the monthly payment charges until we are cleared to re-open the facility. There will be no prorated refunds.
If you see something that needs attention, please submit a comment on our HAPPiFEET-Carmel Clay app, available in your app store.
Cleaning Procedures
PARKS + GREENWAYS :: CLEANING PROCEDURES
1. Cleaning products are being utilized that help combat the human Coronavirus and other known viruses. CCPR will continue to clean and disinfect our parks in alignment with guidance from the CDC.
2. Extra attention has been focused on sanitizing high-traffic areas and commonly used surfaces by staff.
If you see something that needs attention, please submit a comment on our HAPPiFEET-Carmel Clay app, available in your app store.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Playgrounds and restrooms are closed.
2. Please practice social distancing and avoid close contact with others. The CDC recommends a minimum of 6 feet distance to help reduce the risk of spread between individuals.
3. Do not congregate in groups of 10 people or more. While we pride ourselves on being a friendly community, please avoid social gatherings in our parks at this time.
4. We need your help to keep our parks safe you and others. Please stay home if you are sick and practice good hygiene. Wash your hands after touching surfaces within the parks. Avoid touching your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Place garbage in trash receptacles.
MONON COMMUNITY CENTER :: CLEANING PROCEDURES

We understand that our services are an important place for the health and physical activity of our community. While the Monon Community Center is closed, our parks remain open and we are committed to keeping our restrooms clean for park visitors. The list below outlines all our cleaning measures, including those implemented at the Monon Community Center facility up until it’s closure on March 16.
- Cleaning products are being utilized that help combat the human Coronavirus and other known viruses. CCPR will continue to clean and disinfect our facilities in alignment with guidance from the CDC.
- Extra attention has been focused on sanitizing high-traffic areas and commonly used surfaces by custodial staff.
- Handwashing supplies are continually being checked, restocked and refilled.
- Doors are being propped open to help limit your contact with door handles.
- Designated Hand Washing Stations have been established in one of the single use restrooms by the track entrance.
- Our wipes are a cleaning and deodorizing wipe that feature a quaternary disinfectant. We use a specific wipe that is safe to use on our equipment long term without causing damage to the console screens and upholstery. However, our staff are equipped with disinfectant spray that has been confirmed to kill viruses. The staff routinely go through the equipment to disinfect and deep clean and we have increased our cleaning efforts in recent weeks to give more focus on disinfection. We have also provided additional disinfectant spray and provided it throughout our fitness center and fitness studios for anyone to use. We are in the process of identifying other disinfection wipes that may be safe for long term use on the equipment.
Tips to Protect You and Others from Illness
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided some preventative measures you can take as well.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Stay home if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms remain home until “fever free” for 24 hours. Fever free is considered having a temperature of less than 100° without medication for 24 hours.
- Consider saying home if you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age (60+) or because you have a serious long-term health problem.
- Wash hands or use sanitizer. Wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Stay away from people who are sick or not feeling well and avoid close contact with others through hugging, kissing or shaking hands.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as toys and doorknobs.
- Clean your mats and wipe down equipment before and after use while attending fitness classes or spaces.
- Bring your own towel or water bottle.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Throw used tissues away in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Seek assistance from a health professional if you see or experience symptoms that cause concern.
For additional information on COVID-19 visit the CDC’s site https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, Hamilton County Health Department’s site https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1595/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Information, and the Indiana State Department of Health https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm.
All Travel
- MCC members, recreation programming or ESE participants, and all Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation staff returning from a country with a Level 3 or higher travel advisory must self-quarantine for 14 days upon return to the US.
- As this situation is rapidly evolving, health authorities may also impose international, domestic and/or regional US travel restrictions at any time. Please reference the CDC website on quarantine requirements based on your travel plans.
- MCC members, recreation programming or ESE participants, and all Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation staff who return from ANY travel with COVID-19 symptoms may be required to self-quarantine.
Administrative Offices
Until further notice, the Administrative Offices will be closed to the public and all personnel have been assigned work from home responsibilities. If you have business at the Administrative Offices, please contact the person via email to determine if there is an alternative option for accomplishing the work. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult national crisis.