River Heritage Park, located at 11813 River Road, Carmel, is now open for the public to enjoy.
The park received a major overhaul as part of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s (CCPR) Reimagining Parks initiative and the Clay Township Impact Program.
In 2001, River Heritage Park’s accessible playground was dedicated as “Everybody’s Playground.” When the park was reimagined in 2022, the focus on inclusion remained a top priority. The park’s updates focus on accessible play and providing access to the community’s most significant natural resource: the White River.
Inclusive playground features
The park’s new playground has two main sections: the front pod, which is located at the entrance of the park, and the back trail, which winds through the wooded areas extending toward the White River.
Both sections include play features that are wheelchair accessible, including a swing and merry-go-round. Play experiences along the back trail provide options for parkgoers with varying levels of mobility and body strength, including zip lines, climbing structures, and more.
Wheelchair accessible nature trail
A looping nature trail invites parkgoers on an adventure through the forest and along the White River. The unique trail has a hard, rubberized surface and boardwalks that are wheelchair friendly.
White River overlooks
Two new overlooks offer tranquil viewing of the White River. The structures are wheelchair friendly and feature foot railings for safety and unobstructed viewing.
“We’ve created a nature trail to our community’s most significant natural resource – the White River,” CCPR Executive Director Michael Klitzing said. “It’s very easy for people to use by intention. Whether you are walking, in a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller, it is a place all members of the public can go out and enjoy.”