Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

Summer is just around the corner, and we can’t wait! As the weather warms up, we’re especially excited because, since last summer, we've been hard at work planning and preparing our summer camps. These camps provide a fantastic opportunity for kids to engage in enriching activities, meet new friends, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. For parents and guardians, summer camps offer peace of mind knowing that children will be in a safe and supportive environment. They’ll have a chance to learn, play, and have an overall enriching experience, all while staying active and engaged. So, what makes our camps truly special? ?? At the heart of our summer programs is our dedicated team, our summer camp staff, as well as the year-round ESE staff who carefully plan themes and activities for each week. Their passion and commitment create an environment that’s both fun and educational, making every camp experience one to remember. If you’re someone who loves teaching, leading, and being part of an exciting and meaningful process, consider applying to be a Summer Camp Series counselor! ?? This is a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership skills, work with kids, and contribute to a memorable summer experience. If you're interested in other opportunities, check out our open positions: ?? Member Services Associate ?? Nature Program Instructor ?? Seasonal Outdoor Parks Worker Click the link below to learn more and join our team for a summer full of fun and growth! https://lnkd.in/gGREPWMf #hiring #workwithus #summerjobs #carmeljobs

Our Annual Report is Here! As we reflect on 2024, we’re excited to share the milestones and achievements we've reached. Our Annual Report is especially meaningful because it gives us the chance to step back, celebrate our growth, highlight key milestones, and showcase the wins within our community. Transparency is an important part of our mission, and this report is one of the most important ways we stay connected with you. Click the link below to read the full report, explore the highlights, and discover the moments that made this year stand out. You can also watch our CAPRA video, highlighting the key characteristics defining Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation as a reaccredited agency. Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and achievements! https://lnkd.in/g_Wn8Uc8

???Did someone say summer adventure across various Carmel parks???? ? This summer, we're excited to introduce something new and special for our community: OUR FIRST-EVER Summer Fun Run/Walk Series!???♀???♂? ? It's important to maintain a healthy work-life balance! Especially when it involves staying active and connecting with nature. This Summer Fun Run/Walk series offers a fun and flexible way to do just that, all while supporting a cause that directly impacts our community. ? What is it all about? Each week, we’ll feature a new park or trail, offering you the chance to run or walk at your own pace. Whether you’re training for your next race or just looking for a fun outdoor activity, this series is designed to fit your schedule and goals. ? Event Details: ????When:?June 16 - August 10 ???Where:?A new park or greenway each week, featuring?8 scenic trails?to explore ???Prize for Finishers:?Complete all eight trails and you’ll be entered to win awesome prizes from local businesses! ???Who:?Open to all fitness levels! ? Why should YOU join? As much as this is a great way to get active, it’s also a chance to give back. By participating, you're directly supporting the?Carmel Clay Parks Foundation (CCPF), which helps enhance and maintain the parks and greenways that serve as essential community spaces. ?? ? The Benefits: ???Connect with nature:?Escape the daily grind and explore the natural beauty of our local parks. ???Support a meaningful cause:?Your participation helps fund vital park projects. ???Enjoy a flexible fitness challenge:?Walk, run, or stroll through these beautiful spaces at your own pace. ???Win prizes:?Finish all 8 trails and you’ll be entered to win prizes from local businesses. ???Strengthen community ties:?Supporting our parks helps create a healthier, more vibrant community for all. ? Let's get active, make a difference, and explore the parks that make our community so special!?????Registration opens March 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM EST!????Click the link below to learn more, sign up, and be sure to share with friends and family to join the fun! #CarmelParks #SummerRunWalk #SupportOurParks #VirtualRunWalk https://lnkd.in/gtsHRFtC

Join Our Team!??? Watch and see what makes working at Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation such a great experience – and why we can’t wait to welcome you to the team! ? We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team! Whether it’s lifeguarding at The Waterpark, maintaining our beautiful parks and trails, or helping kids in after-school care, there’s a place for everyone to contribute and make a difference in our community. ? As we gear up for the busy summer season, one of our most exciting and fun-filled times, we’re especially eager to welcome new team members. Summer is an all-time favorite season for us, and there’s no better time to get involved and be a part of something special! ? We offer a variety of career opportunities with great benefits, including: ??Paid time off ??Health insurance ??Membership discounts for employees and their families ??Matching retirement benefits ??Ongoing training and development ? If you’re looking for a job where you can make an impact, improve lives, and work in a supportive, community-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you. Every role helps us fulfill our mission of enhancing the quality of life for the people we serve. ? Click the link to watch the video below to learn more about what makes working here so special and why our team loves being a part of CCPR.??? Apply today!?Or know someone who would be great for one of our roles? Be sure to send this post their way!? ? https://lnkd.in/gS9S2BhR #CarmelClayParks #JoinOurTeam #Summer #Jobs #Wellness #ParkJobs #Lifeguard #AfterSchoolCare #Hiring #CarmelIndiana #WorkWithUs

Meet Jim Bancroft—a dedicated CCPR volunteer who doesn’t mind getting his feet wet for nature’s sake (literally!). From monitoring water quality in local parks to teaching others how to build bluebird nest boxes, Jim's efforts showcase the impact a single volunteer can have on their community. Volunteers like Jim are the backbone of citizen science and stewardship programs, contributing hundreds of hours to protect and enhance our natural spaces. Did you know he’s helped grow the number of bluebird nest boxes in our area from just a handful to over 75? ??? But Jim’s story is more than impressive numbers—it's about the joy of being outdoors, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to join the cause. Want to learn more about Jim's journey? Check out his full story here: https://lnkd.in/gkx6pmGV ?? Want to make a difference? Explore our volunteer opportunities and see how you can contribute to preserving our parks and wildlife: https://lnkd.in/gfVsWkDC Together, we can create a lasting impact—one project, one park, one passion at a time. ?? #VolunteerSpotlight #CitizenScience #ParkStewardship #CarmelClayParks

Employee Recognition Matters ?? At our recent End-of-Year Staff Appreciation & Award Ceremony, we had the opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions of our team. From going above and beyond to achieving key milestones, it’s clear that our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Employee recognition is more than just a celebration, it’s an essential part of creating a positive and productive workplace culture. By acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our team members, we not only inspire continued growth but also strengthen the sense of community that drives our success. Congratulations to our award winners for their exceptional efforts and contributions. Your work continues to inspire us all, and we look forward to another year of collaboration and success! #EmployeeAppreciation #TeamExcellence #WorkplaceCulture #Recognition #Leadership

Happy Giving Tuesday! ?? Today, we celebrate the power of giving back and the impact we can have on our communities. One meaningful way to make a difference is by supporting the parks and programs that enrich our area. ?? Donating to the Carmel Clay Parks Foundation helps support Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR). The recent grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will be matched by the foundation to support conservation work in?Central Park, ensuring that our parks remain vibrant and sustainable. ?? Every contribution helps preserve and enhance the green spaces we all enjoy. You can be part of this effort by donating to the Carmel Clay Parks Foundation, either by clicking the link below or by mailing a check to: Carmel Clay Parks Foundation PO Box 3881 Carmel, IN 46082 Learn More:?https://lnkd.in/gi9CASMt #GivingTuesday2024 #CommunityImpact #Sustainability #SupportYourParks #CarmelClayParks #EnvironmentalStewardship #CarmelClayParksFoundation #PreserveOurParks

Barn Dance. ?? #community #dance #disability #resources It was a fantastic night at the Barn Dance, co-hosted by Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and Thrive Social Club. As a volunteer for both organizations, I was thrilled to see so many individuals with disabilities enjoying themselves and building community. It’s SO rewarding to be part of events that promote inclusivity and fun. ? The positive impact of individuals like Kelvin S., Inclusion Supervisor at Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and Mari Verdun Kennedy, an OG at Thrive??, is truly remarkable and can be seen making a difference in the lives of these young adults. It's also heartwarming to see the joy and enthusiasm of these individuals, like "selfie Kelsey” as she is known by us. ??The excellent participation in these programs highlights the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. ?? #lovemycity ?? #Carmel #Hamiltoncounty #Thrive #disability #resources #dance #parksandrec David Littlejohn Kevin Whited, MPA Tara Greaves Kelvin S. Natasha Cleaver Jamie Olson Angela Arlington Ausome Indy Tiffney Vivo Ethan Pickett, MA, CTRS Kathy Darling Terrance Davis Jaime Miller Libby Powell Joanne Tedesco Kristan Sievers-Coffer Tiffany Neal Cassandra SolanFrankie Kietzman, Ed.S.Molly WarmelinkAri Campbell Kari Sheward, MS, BCBA Frank Knez Esther Hollander Felsen, MA, GCDF David Kennedy Leslie Holleman Kimberly Holland, MBA, CLSS, CHC Tanya Malik,OTR/L Jamaie Scott

Our Extended School Enrichment (ESE) programs are not just about afterschool care; they are about creating engaging experiences that foster learning, growth, and a sense of community. This year, our ESE sites celebrated a milestone—the 25th annual "Lights On Afterschool" event! ??? This nationwide initiative, organized by the Afterschool Alliance, emphasizes the vital role afterschool programs play in supporting students and families. It’s a reminder that programs like this are essential for student success and positively impact children, families, and communities. On October 24, our 11 ESE sites brought the Halloween spirit to life with a festive costume party! ?? While everyone enjoyed Halloween treats and fun activities, it was heartwarming to witness the strong bonds between our ESE staff and students. The staff’s dedication ensures that our programs are a safe and welcoming space, making it a place where kids genuinely want to be. Another exciting aspect of our ESE program is the Carmel Clay Cash Store! ?? Through "Carmel Cash," students earn in-program currency by following expectations, which they can spend on fun experiences like choosing the Friday movie or bringing a toy to school. This innovative incentive makes afterschool time enjoyable and teaches valuable life skills like money management, decision-making, and the importance of saving. It's incredible to see how our programs transform everyday accomplishments into extraordinary experiences. Together, we are helping students thrive while supporting parents with their work-life balance. For more information or to enroll in our ESE programs, check out the link below! ?? https://lnkd.in/g5na3Ked #ExtendedSchoolEnrichment #ESE #CarmelClayParks #AfterSchoolFun #KidsLearning #CarmelSchools #CarmelClayCash #LightsOnAfterschool

In partnership with Weihe Engineers, we’re honored to receive the Excellence in Resource Improvement Award at the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) State Conference! This prestigious award recognizes outstanding management and improvement of parks, trails, and recreational spaces—and highlights the impactful work done at River Heritage Park. The award highlights the inclusive, sustainable, and accessible design of River Heritage Park, a project that reflects our commitment to creating spaces for everyone to enjoy. The reimagined park now features: ?? Over a mile of new, universally accessible nature trails winding through 30 acres of scenic, wooded land along the White River. ?? A new inclusive playground designed to be fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring children of all abilities can play together. ?? A 0.75-mile nature trail with stunning views of the river, built to be fully wheelchair-friendly. Working closely with Weihe Engineers, we carefully planned and designed the park to minimize ecological impact while ensuring ADA-compliant features for all users. The design embraces Universal Design principles, making accessibility a key element throughout the park. Since its dedication in 2001 as “Everyone’s Playground,” River Heritage Park has been a pioneer in accessible park design. The park’s 2022 redesign further advances this commitment, creating a space that serves as a model for future inclusive parks. We’ve also teamed up with Weihe Engineers on several other projects, including upgrades to Meadowlark Park, Carey Grove Park, and Lawrence Inlow Park, all designed to create sustainable, welcoming spaces for our community. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of designing parks that are accessible, inclusive, and environmentally responsible. We are proud of this recognition and look forward to continuing to enhance the quality of life for our community through thoughtful, inclusive design. ?? #InclusiveDesign #ParkImprovement #CommunityImpact #AccessibleParks #Sustainability #IRPA #Awards #PublicSpaces #UniversalDesign #PlayForAll #CCPR #CarmelClayParks