Parks director outlines growth: 710 acres, 6.3 million visits and major projects ahead
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Summary
Parks Director Michael Klitzing told the council Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation manages roughly 710 acres, achieved a 74% cost-recovery rate last year and recorded an estimated 6.3 million visits; he outlined major projects including Bear Creek Phase 1, Monon Station, the Moffat House preservation and the White River Greenway North Extension.
Michael Klitzing, director of Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, gave a wide-ranging report to the City Council on Feb. 2 that framed parks as a regional asset and summarized capital work planned for 2026.
Klitzing said the agency manages about 710 acres, achieved a 74% cost-recovery rate in 2025 (well above the national average cited by the National Recreation and Park Association), recorded an estimated 6.3 million visits last year and had roughly 172,000 program participants. He said those figures result from a long-term partnership between the city and Clay Township and by leveraging multiple funding streams including impact fees and grants.
Klitzing highlighted recent completions such as the Bur Oak Bridge and Hazel Landing Park and the conversion of Monon Station inside the Monon Community Center. He said the department acquired the historic Silas and Hannah Moffat House (built c.1827) and is working with Ball State University to assess preservation needs and programming options.
Looking ahead, Klitzing described Phase 1 development at Bear Creek Park as part of a master plan he estimated at $30 million; he said the selected build–operate–transfer partner will allow a 12–18 month build once construction starts later this year. He also noted the White River Greenway North Extension (approximate $6 million, largely grant funded), a planned floating boardwalk at Founders Park, and boardwalk renovations at Central Park.
Klitzing told councilors the department is continuing advocacy for dedicated funding streams that could support parks capital without relying solely on the general levy; he described options discussed with legislators but said change likely requires multiple sessions. Councilors praised Klitzing’s national awards and long service and asked that staff continue to pursue funding and provide clear timelines for major capital phases.
