Monon Boulevard Phase 3 to open with ribbon-cutting ceremony before CarmelFest

Submitted

The City of Carmel and Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) invite the community to celebrate the opening of the Monon Boulevard Phase 3 expansion. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 3 at the new music-themed Monon Boulevard playground, just before the start of CarmelFest.

The Monon Boulevard Phase 3 expansion extends the boulevard two blocks south of the existing corridor, creating a new connection between Walnut Street and City Center Drive. The $14 million project, funded by the city, transforms a multi-use trail through a former rail corridor into a vibrant public space featuring a 12-foot-wide paved trail, open green space, and a landscaped row of screening trees, similar to the Midtown section of the Monon Greenway.

Serving as the centerpiece of the expansion is a $2 million, music-themed playground located near the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts and adjacent to the future Great American Songbook Museum. Designed to inspire creativity and play, the destination playground reflects Carmel’s commitment to arts, culture, and family-friendly recreation.

Additional Phase 3 improvements include widened pathways and sidewalks, new roadways, upgraded stormwater infrastructure and community gathering spaces.

“Monon Boulevard continues to evolve as one of Carmel’s signature community spaces,” CCPR Director and CEO Michael Klizting said. “Phase 3 builds on that vision by creating new opportunities for recreation, connection and community.”

Following the ribbon-cutting featuring Mayor Sue Finkam, guests are encouraged to continue the celebration at CarmelFest, Carmel’s annual Independence Day festival, with live entertainment, family activities, food vendors, fireworks and a patriotic parade.

This event is free and open to the public.