Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation awarded $400K Indiana Trails Program grant

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) was awarded a $400,000 grant through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Indiana Trails Program. The grant will fund a new section of the White River Greenway, supporting CCPR’s long-term goal of expanding the trail along or near the river throughout Carmel.

The Indiana Trails Program (ITP) supports projects that expand public trail access and outdoor recreation opportunities while incorporating ADA-accessible design features. CCPR was one of five agencies selected for funding in the 2025 round of ITP, receiving the maximum grant amount of $400,000.

Funding will support construction of a 12-foot-wide, half-mile paved section of the White River Greenway within Hazel Landing Park. The new trail will begin at The 106 Trail, an east-west multi-use trail that connects Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville, and crosses the White River over the Bur Oak Bridge, which opened in 2025. From there, the trail will continue south over Blue Woods Creek and through a forested, undeveloped portion of the park before following the White River and reconnecting with an existing perimeter trail along Hazel Dell Parkway.

This project marks another important step toward CCPR’s long-term goal of developing approximately five miles of White River Greenway trail through Carmel. Subject to future funding, additional phases are planned to extend the southern section north through Hazel Landing Park and ultimately connect to the perimeter trail along 116th Street. The new trail will strengthen connections to regional trail corridors, including the Big-4 Rail Trail in Zionsville, the Monon Greenway in Carmel, and the Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers and Noblesville.

Designed to enhance both recreation access and environmental stewardship, the trail extension will feature riverfront views and environmentally conscious design elements while prioritizing accessibility for users of all abilities through the incorporation of Universal Design principles.

Klitzing

“The White River Greenway continues to be one of the most significant long-term connectivity projects for our community,” said Michael Klitzing, CCPR Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO. “This southern trail extension will improve access to nature, strengthen regional trail connections and create more opportunities for the public to enjoy and interact with the White River.”

Additional project details and construction timelines will be announced as planning progresses. For updates, visit carmelclayparks.com.