Carmel and Clay Township residents will have a new park to explore in northwest Carmel. On Sept. 3, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation officially acquired and closed on 26.91 acres of land near 146th Street and Shelborne Road.
Klitzing
“This land acquisition is very exciting for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and our community,” said CCPR Director Michael Klitzing. “Obtaining additional property for a new park in northwest Carmel has been our goal for several years, and we are thrilled to now be in a position to develop and increase access to park and recreation opportunities in this area.”
Acquiring land for a future park in northwest Carmel was identified as a top priority of CCPR’s 2020-2024 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Prior to this acquisition, CCPR had only one park west of U.S. 31/Meridian Street in southwest Carmel.
The new park was purchased using revenue generated from Park and Recreation Impact Fees, which are assessed on new residential development within the community. Impact fees are designed to shift the cost of new and expanded parks from the community at large to the new development generating the need for those new and expanded public amenities.
Initial park development will likely take place in the next two to five years. The first step will be to develop a park master plan, which will guide the future development of the park. Creation of the master plan is typically a nine- to 12-month process and involves significant public input. CCPR will host community meetings to identify public needs and discuss multiple park concepts. Park features could include access to Bear Creek, restored prairie, wooded areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and trails, although exact amenities will be determined by the master plan. Prior to park development, CCPR will need to secure necessary funding, which is estimated at $6.5 million in 2020 dollars based on recent construction projects.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will keep the public informed as information develops regarding this new property, which will be named at a later date.