Carmel unveils parks resource officers, previews water-park season and warranty repairs to playground surfacing

Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation and Carmel Police introduced two parks resource officers and gave a broad update on parks projects and summer operations during the council meeting.

Michael Klitzing, director of Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, said he expects a survey for the Autumn Greenway may have been completed and reviewed this week. He then outlined summer operations and active projects: the water park will open Saturday, May 24, and the parks expect to operate through Labor Day with adjusted weekday hours; summer camps are largely sold out; and the Monon Station indoor playground will hold a ribbon-cutting Friday, June 13, at 2 p.m.

Chief Drake Sterling introduced two parks resource officers assigned to the department. "With us today are two parks resource officers," Sterling said, and outlined their prior IMPD experience and additional qualifications. The officers — Caleb Law and Clifton Hoag — began duties in March and have supported policy development and on-site safety at parks and greenways.

Klitzing and Sterling both discussed playground surfacing problems at Lawrence W. Enloe Park and Meadowlark Park, explaining that a laminated color layer has delaminated from the underlying safety layer during cold months, creating bubbles and trip hazards. Klitzing said the issue is a recognized national problem and that repairs will be covered by warranty at no cost to taxpayers. He described a scheduled mill-and-fill to correct water drainage at Enloe's parking area and said the park would reopen by Memorial Day weekend.

Staff also gave construction updates: mobilization and work on the White River Greenway north extension are expected to accelerate with an anticipated fall opening; the Hazel Landing pedestrian bridge connecting Carmel and Fishers is under construction and will create a nonvehicular east-west corridor linking multiple regional trails; and Hazel Landing Park and the new bridge remain closed during construction. Klitzing said the parks foundation is running a “Summer Fun Run” program and that four splash pads across the system will open for the season.

Councilors asked for clarification on the surfacing repairs; Klitzing confirmed the manufacturer warranty will cover the costs and said Meadowlark repairs were tentatively scheduled for the first week in June. The parks department emphasized that current safety standards remain met despite cosmetic delamination during cold weather.

No ordinance or budget vote was taken on these items at the meeting.