Westermeier
Carmel’s parks board has named the newly developed western portion of Central Park in recognition of park superintendent Mark Westermeier. It is to be known as Westermeier Commons. The longtime superintendent is retiring this year following a career that saw the city park system named the best among municipal parks in the nation for 2014.
Westermeier was guest of honor at a surprise retirement party held at the Monon Center Wednesday night. He became superintendent in 2003.
Westermeier’s assistant, Michael Klitzing, has been named interim director until a new superintendent is selected next year.
The park system was organized in 1991 when Carmel had virtually no public parkland. Clay Township and the Town of Carmel created the joint park entity which now includes more than 500 acres, with Central Park, including the Monon Center, being the largest.
Other parks developed mostly during Westermeier’s tenure include West Park, Flowing Well Park, Founders Park, River Heritage, Inlow Park, Carey Grove and the Monon Trail.