Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation receives 2026 National Gold Medal Award

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) was recently awarded the 2026 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), announced the six national winners at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia on Sept. 30. The award marks CCPR’s third Gold Medal win, making it the first three-time winner in Indiana history, with only 4 other park agencies in Indiana having won the award.

The Gold Medal Award is the highest honor for a park and recreation system. Agencies are evaluated on long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program, and professional development. CCPR first received the Class III Gold Medal Award for parks serving populations of 75,001 to 150,000 in 2014, and again in 2020. Following a mandatory six-year-sit-out period, 2026 marked the first year CCPR was once again eligible for the award. The award comes just as CCPR celebrated its 35th anniversary in August.

“Receiving the Gold Medal for a third time is an incredible honor for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and our entire community,” CCPR Director and CEO Michael Klitzing said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, the leadership of our Park Board and elected officials, and the continued support of the residents we serve. We are proud of how our park system has continued to evolve over its 35-year history while staying focused on creating exceptional experiences for our community.”

CCPR welcomes more than six million annual visits to its parks, trails, and facilities, creating meaningful experiences for community members and visitors alike. With a strong focus on inclusion and accessibility, CCPR’s playgrounds and adaptive programs provide opportunities for everyone to play and participate, while more than 2,800 recreation, fitness, and summer camp programs offered each year serve people of all ages, abilities, and interests.

At the center of CCPR’s focus is environmental leadership, demonstrated by its involvement in the White River Vision Plan, a multi-jurisdictional effort to restore habitats, improve water quality, and connect communities. Additional programs, including the Park Resource Officers (PROs) program and Extended School Enrichment (ESE), demonstrate CCPR’s commitment to community safety and well-being. In partnership with the Carmel Police Department, the PROs program enhances safety throughout CCPR parks and facilities while building positive relationships with visitors. Additionally, ESE serves more than 2,000 students annually, providing safe, enriching before- and after-school care for Carmel Clay families.

CCPR will celebrate the award with a banner unveiling at the Monon Community Center at a later date and time to be announced.

For more information on the Gold Medal Awards, visit nrpa.org/goldmedal or aapra.org.