Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard addresses demolition of Rotary Amphitheater

Editor’s note: Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard issued the following statement regarding the Rotary Amphitheater and changes coming to Carter Green.

Brainard

I want to address the stage changes and Monon expansion project planned for Carter Green. The project was announced eight months ago and I made sure a news release was sent in January, which included information regarding the replacement of the amphitheater. It was featured in the Carmel Monthly Magazine and the Hamilton County Reporter in addition to our City’s weekly e-newsletter. However, I should have scheduled a meeting to discuss this with the current officers of Rotary directly.

Rotary has been very supportive of the people of this city and our improvement projects throughout the years. They are active members of our community and produce one of the best 4th of July festivals in the state. They also helped with the financing component of Feed the Frontlines during the pandemic. I am grateful for their long-standing investments of time and money. I certainly don’t want a misstep of communication to deteriorate a long-standing relationship between the City and Carmel Rotary.

I designed the current amphitheater and am somewhat bittersweet about seeing it upgraded. I am a member of the Rotary Club and asked the Club to help more than a decade ago. Their generous contribution allowed us to finish Carter Green (then called Center Green) and install the below-grade amphitheater. However, as our community grows and our needs change, we must make decisions that have the best long-term results. The current amphitheater does not function well for the groups that use it today.

The new stage will be called Rotary Stage and include the Rotary medallions to honor their legacy contribution so they will continue to be recognized. Carter Green is the center of our city and provides multiple opportunities for the community to come together. The improvements will provide a higher and better quality of experience throughout the year for our expanding community. The level ground surrounding the stage also provides a better, more seamless connection to the Monon Greenway and adjacent buildings at City Center.

I apologize for not communicating sooner with Carmel Rotary on the changes taking place at Carter Green regarding the Rotary Amphitheater.

One of the hardest parts of being Mayor is not being able to please all residents and businesses. It would be nice to have everyone in agreement on every decision but human nature being what it is, there will always be disagreements. What we strive to do is continue to adapt and create the best city we can.