Six reimagined parks now open for the public to enjoy
In 2019, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) received a $20 million investment from the Clay Township Impact Program (CTIP). With this investment, CCPR launched its Reimagining Parks initiative which included the renovation of six existing parks throughout Carmel and Clay Township. In fall 2022, CCPR reopened the final reimagined park for the public to enjoy.
“We are incredibly grateful for the funding provided by the Clay Township Impact Program and the work that the Clay Township Board, the Park Board, and the Carmel Clay Parks team put into reimagining our parks,” said Rich Taylor, President of the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation. “The updates made to the parks reiterate our dedication to listening to our community’s needs and developing world-class park experiences for our community.”
CTIP was launched by Clay Township Trustee Doug Callahan and Township Board Members Mary Eckard, Paul Hensel, and Matt Snyder to improve the community with a focus on parks and public safety. The CTIP investment allowed CCPR to enhance Carey Grove, Flowing Well, Lawrence W. Inlow, Meadowlark, River Heritage, and West Park. The park enhancements not only created exciting new play opportunities for all ages and abilities but also left a legacy for the importance of quality outdoor recreation in the community.
Each park project included input from community leaders, stakeholders, community organizations, the public, and more. CCPR is proud to have worked with industry leaders in playground manufacturing, architecture, and landscaping at each reimagined park.
The city’s updated parks include:
- Carey Grove Park: impact included a new playground, year-round restrooms, a larger parking lot, and trails
- Flowing Well Park: impact included Cool Creek bank stabilization, year-round restrooms, a larger parking lot, trails, and interpretive signage
- Lawrence W. Inlow Park: impact included a new splash pad, two pickleball courts, picnic shelters, year-round restrooms, and expanded parking
- Meadowlark Park: impact included a new playground, year-round restrooms, two shelters, a larger parking lot, four pickleball courts, a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, an accessible boardwalk, and interpretive signage
- River Heritage Park: impact included new playgrounds with a focus on accessible play, accessible trails, and White River overlooks
- West Park: impact included a new playground, splash pad, year-round restrooms, and shelters