Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation invites public to Bear Creek Park groundbreaking ceremony

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) invites the community to mark the beginning of the first phase of development of Bear Creek Park. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Bear Creek Park, 3777 Voyageur Way.

The ceremony will include brief remarks from Mayor Sue Finkam, along with representatives from the city and CCPR, followed by the official groundbreaking.

Located near 146th Street and Shelborne Road in northwest Carmel, CCPR acquired the nearly 27 acres of land that would become Bear Creek Park on Sept. 3, 2020. Acquiring land for a future park in northwest Carmel was identified as a top priority of CCPR’s Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

CCPR has worked with the community to shape a vision for the park that responds to the recreational needs of northwest Carmel. Before beginning the master planning process, CCPR opened the underdeveloped property for primitive access, giving residents an opportunity to experience the park and provide input informed by the land itself.

“Bear Creek Park has always been envisioned as a place shaped by both the land and the people who use it,” CCPR Director/CEO Michael Klitzing said. “Breaking ground on this first phase marks an exciting step toward bringing that community vision to life while preserving the natural features that make this property special.”

The first phase of the development will focus on Bear Creek Park’s north campus and include boardwalks with an overlook, a play area, multi-use courts, restrooms, and a parking lot. These amenities are part of a larger vision for a park that balances recreation and community gathering with the property’s existing natural features.

The ceremony and groundbreaking will take place near the entrance to Bear Creek Park. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information or updates about Bear Creek Park, visit carmelclayparks.com.