Making an impact in our community
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is dedicated to providing exceptional park and recreation experiences. We seek to enhance and expand the park system to best serve the needs of our ever-changing community.
On this page, you will find details about recent and upcoming park projects.
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Clay Township Impact Program
Thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is helping improve the community with a focus on parks and public safety.
One of the primary initiatives of the Impact Program is updating and enhancing existing parks by making them more accessible, safer and available year-round. The Clay Township Trustee and Board Members have been entrusted with making our township a safer and more enjoyable place to live. They have been tasked with providing vital services to our community and this program is an important part of how they serve the residents of our township.
Several of the projects outlined below were made possible by the Clay Township Impact Program. CCPR is grateful for the continued support to enhance and expand the park system.
What’s Happening at Founders Park: Our Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) is dedicated to providing a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for families visiting all of the parks which we are responsible for, including Founders Park. The department intends to make several improvements to Founders Park in the fall of 2025 to address safety, including the retaining wall, fencing, parking lot, and rubber safety surfacing.
Monon Community Center Indoor Playground
KidZone operations have been relocated to make room for an exciting new experience for kids at the Monon Community Center. The new Indoor Playground will include a large Luckey Climber play structure featuring giant leaf-like molded plastic climbing platforms with two slides on each side. Luckey Climbers are vertical mazes that promote physical activity and offer imaginative play for children, all enclosed within vinyl-coated safety nets.
The new play space will also showcase “The Dream Tree,” a popular art installation that uses 3D mapping to provide an interactive experience for visitors. The tree will serve as the new entrance and focal point of the playground, combining education and play. Additionally, there will be a secondary play area designed for younger children with activities throughout the Indoor Playground focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Construction is projected to be completed by early 2025
White River Corridor
North Extension
Work is underway on the White River Greenway north extension. The project includes extending the greenway north to 146th Street as well as the construction of a river overlook, parking lot and year-round restrooms. Once complete, the White River Greenway will span over five miles in Carmel. The project is in partnership with Conner Prairie and is part of a regional effort to expand the greenway and turn attention toward the area’s most significant natural resource—the White River.
Improvements are funded by a $4 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant as well as by the Park Board with over $1 million in park and recreation impact fees. The READI grant, provided by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation through the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, was awarded in 2022 to support expanding the greenway.
Pedestrian Bridge
Hazel Landing Park is closed due to construction of the new pedestrian bridge. The bridge will connect Hazel Landing Park in Carmel to Heritage Park in Fishers.
This project is a joint effort made possible by the Clay Township Impact Program, CCPR, Hamilton County, Delaware Township, and the City of Fishers. The future bridge will provide enhanced connectivity between the two communities.
Additional Enhancements
Additionally, we are in the planning stages for additional enhancements along the White River in Carmel. This includes the development of funding strategies for a White River Ecology/Education Center in partnership with Conner Prairie.
All proposed projects are closely aligned with the regionally developed White River Vision Plan.
– White River Greenway Expansion
– River Ecology/Education Center
– Parkland Acquisition
North Extension Feasibility Study White River Plan
White River North Extension Press Release
Chinese Garden
The Chinese Garden honors the Carmel-Xiangyang Sister City initiative, which was created in 2012 to promote educational and cultural exchange between the City of Carmel and the city of Xiangyang, China. CCPR is partnering with Dr. Yiwei Huang and Purdue University students in the landscape architecture program, including a Carmel High School graduate, to develop plans for a Chinese Garden.
Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park
Undeveloped parkland, currently closed to the public
Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park was acquired in November 2021. The 63-acre undeveloped property is currently in the master plan process.
Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park Master Plan
Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park Master Plan Appendices
Watch the Oct. 11 Master Plan Presentation
May 5 Public Open House Presentation
Bear Creek Park
Undeveloped parkland, open to the public on weekends
Bear Creek Park was acquired in September 2020. The master plan for the 27-acre property was adopted in June 2022. Over the next several years the park will be developed.
West Park – Reimagined + Open
West Park was reimagined thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program and is now open to the public. The projected budget for this park’s upgrades is $6.2m. Upgrades include a new playground and splash pad. Take a look back at some of the documents we released throughout the construction process:
West Park Master Plan Elementary-Age Focus Group Meeting
River Heritage Park – Reimagined + Open
River Heritage Park was reimagined thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program and is now open to the public. Upgrades included a new playground, accessible trails and White River overlooks. Take a look back at some of the documents we released throughout the construction process:
Lawrence W. Inlow Park – Reimagined + Open
Inlow Park was reimagined thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program and is now open to the public. Updates included a new splash pad, two pickleball courts, new picnic shelters, year-round restrooms, and expanded parking. Take a look back at some of the documents we release throughout the construction process:
Carey Grove Park – Reimagined + Open
Carey Grove Park was reimagined thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program and is now open to the public. Upgrades included two new playground structures, designed by Kompan, year-round restrooms, a larger parking lot, and trails. Take a look back at some of the documents we released throughout the construction process:
Design + Progress Park Rendering Playground Rendering FAQs Reopening News Release Closure News Release Reimagining Carey Grove Park Explore Reimagined Carey Grove Park Blog
Flowing Well Park – Reimagined + Open
Flowing Well Park was reimagined thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program and is now open to the public. Upgrades included Cool Creek bank stabilization, year-round restrooms, a larger parking lot, and trails. Take a look back at some of the documents we released throughout the construction process:
Design + Progress FAQs Learn About Flowing Well Park Park Updates with Councilor Aasen Reopening News Release Closure News Release Reimagining Flowing Well Park Explore Reimagined Flowing Well Park Blog
Meadowlark Park – Reimagined + Open
Meadowlark Park was reimagined thanks to the Clay Township Impact Program and is now open to the public. Upgrades included a new playground, year-round restrooms, two new shelters, a larger parking lot, four pickleball courts, a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier (still under construction), an accessible boardwalk, and new interpretive signage. Take a look back at some of the documents we released throughout the construction process:
