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.
The most current updates on CCPR’s reopening plan are available at carmelclayparks.com.
The Waterpark at the Monon Center Plans to Open June 14
The Waterpark is expected to open on June 14 at no greater than 50 percent capacity, as required under the state’s reopening plan. Lounge chairs will not be provided by CCPR this summer, but visitors are welcome to bring their own folding chairs. Visitors are encouraged to bring credit cards to minimize the use of cash.
Monon Community Center
The Monon Community Center will reopen on May 24 or when Hamilton County enters Stage 3 of the state’s reopening plan, whichever is later. Initially, the facility will only be open by reservation for existing paid members age 15 and above. No new memberships or day passes will be sold until after July 4. Fitness equipment has been spread throughout the west building, including on the indoor track, and a limited schedule of group fitness classes will be offered in the gymnasium, all to promote physical distancing between visitors.
With the Governor encouraging seniors to stay safely at home, SilverSneakers® fitness classes will continue to be available online for members and the general public to enjoy.
“As always, the safety of our members and staff is our number one priority. We know there will be a lot of adjustments for everyone as we get back up and running,” said Eric Mehl, CCPR Director of Recreation and Facilities. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we open our doors. We’re all in this together and we are glad to be a resource for our community.”
Parks, Playgrounds, Splash Pads + Restrooms
Playgrounds, splash pads, and restrooms will open on May 24 in all CCPR parks and along the Monon Greenway, consistent with the state’s guidelines. The skate park and membership-based dog park, both located in Central Park, will also reopen on this date. CCPR will work closely with the City of Carmel to determine the appropriate time to reopen Midtown Plaza and the Monon Greenway between Main Street and Gradle Drive, although this is not anticipated to occur before Memorial Day.
Summer Camps
CCPR remains hopeful that we will be able to provide summer camps beginning on June 1, pending guidance from the CDC as required by the Back on Track Indiana plan. With many CCPR camps housed in school buildings, which the state has mandated remain closed until at least June 30, it is likely that camp capacity will be significantly reduced. CDC guidance for camps will ultimately determine when and how many children and families we will be able to serve this summer.
About Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) holds the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for parks serving populations of 75,001 to 150,000. As an accredited agency, the department serves the recreation, fitness, and nature needs of the community, manages and develops existing spaces and resources and creates a sustainable future for parks and recreation programs through a financially viable and environmentally conscious parks system. CCPR manages and maintains more than 500 park acres and numerous recreation facilities, including the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark. In addition, CCPR has partnered with Carmel Clay Schools to establish Extended School Enrichment (ESE), a before and after-school care program for K-6 students located at all eleven Carmel elementary schools. The Summer Camp Series is a component of ESE that offers 12 different summer camps accommodating children ages 5-15. For more information, visit carmelclayparks.com.
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