Parks Department outlines new greenways, park phases and Founders Park refresh

Michael Klitzing, director and CEO of Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, briefed the Common Council on Aug. 18 with a quarterly report that covered summer visitation, staffing challenges, capital projects funded through the city infrastructure bonds, and park-specific timelines.

Why it matters: The parks department described multiple bond-funded projects that will affect trails, neighborhood parks and downtown green space. Councilors used the presentation to press for further details on financing, construction sequencing and public engagement, and to stress that ongoing operations and maintenance funding must be considered as projects come online.

Selected program and project highlights

- Summer programming: The department reported about 7,500 summer campers across 13 camp options (ages 5–15) and said 88% of campers were Carmel Clay Schools students. The Monon Community Center’s new playground and a signature “Lucky Climber” with dynamic lighting were highlighted as completed amenities. - Brookshire Golf Course: Klitzing said the parks department has supplied a business plan and recommendations to the city for review; no final decision had been made. - Bond-funded projects and design timelines: • Bear Creek Park (SW corner of 140th Street and Shelburne): The department reported $6.2 million in bond funding for the project’s phase 1; combined with impact fees the project is expected to reach roughly $8 million in initial investment. Schematic plans have been prepared by SmithGroup and will reach the park board in September with likely adoption in October. • Autumn Greenway and Veterans Greenway: Design teams are preparing route options and the department plans public meetings in September or October to review alternatives and routing in the central core; the two greenways are designed to connect the Monon Greenway and the White River Greenway. • White River Greenway North extension: A 1.3‑mile extension, including a boardwalk and trailhead with restrooms, is in construction and expected to be substantially complete before year end; boardwalk construction around Cherry Creek Boulevard and boardwalk over a drainage area were described as underway. • Founders Park: A playground resurfacing, relocation of the sand play area and structural work on an accessible ramp and retaining wall are under way; the playground is closed for construction and expected to reopen by October. A floating boardwalk to improve pond access is planned with procurement and installation anticipated next spring. - New neighborhood park near Smoky Road and Ironwood Drive: Public engagement will begin once a roundabout alignment is finalized so planners can determine impacted property.

Questions from council

Councilors pressed for more clarity on operating cost impacts, long-term maintenance funding (a 36‑million-dollar shortfall in deferred maintenance was cited in council discussion), and the process for selecting vendors under a proposed design-build-operate-transfer (BOT) procurement. Klitzing and other staff said staff would provide follow-up information; the department is coordinating with the redevelopment commission and other departments on projects that touch the central core (Veterans Park connectivity to the VFW and public green space).

Ending

Councilors thanked the parks staff for the report and encouraged continued public outreach for greenway routing and neighborhood park design. Directors committed to returning with more specific financial and maintenance plans as the projects progress.