2014 ANNUAL REPORT

2 | Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

A little over a decade ago when interviewing for my position, the Park Board President informed me of several goals for the Department: (1) Get the Monon Community Center (MCC) built and open; (2) Run it like a business; and (3) Make Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation a Gold Medal agency. At the time, these seemed like far off (if not farfetched) dreams.

Without a doubt, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) has come a long way in serving the park and recreation needs of our community. The MCC opened in 2007 on schedule, within budget, and now serves over 500,000 visitors annually. We continue to implement best business practices, allowing CCPR to provide exceptional customer service and achieve some of the highest cost recovery rates of any park system in the country.

For these, and may other reasons, I am pleased to report that CCPR was the 2014 recipient of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. Additionally, CCPR became one of only 139 nationally accredited park and recreation agencies. Achieving the industry’s two highest honors in the same year is an unheard of accomplishment and ranks CCPR among the truly elite park and recreation agencies in this country.

I could say “mission accomplished,” but that is not how we see it. By winning the Gold Medal, we feel an even greater obligation to build upon our accomplishments. We will continue to promote a culture of continuous improvement while remaining responsive to the park and recreation needs of our community. We are dedicated to remaining an industry leader. The citizens of Carmel and Clay Township expect nothing less.

This report highlights our hard work and tremendous progress in creating an economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable park and recreation system. Thank you for your continued support of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation.

Sincerely,

Mark Westermeier, CPRPDirector of Parks & Recreation

GREETINGS!

Pictured on Cover: CCPR staff at banner raising ceremony to commemorate winning the National Gold Medal Award and becoming nationally accredited.

With these magical words, CCPR won the National Gold Medal Award, the highest and most prestigious recognition for a park and recreation system. Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal is awarded annually by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), to honor the nation’s outstanding agencies for excellence in the field of parks and recreation management. The 2014 recipients were announced in October during NRPA’s annual conference. How elite is the Gold Medal? During the 48-year existence of this award, only 38 different agencies have taken home the Gold Medal in our population class.

The Gold Medal Goes To...

only 4 Indiana agencies have won the Gold Medal in its 48 year history

The Waterpark | FlowRider® Pro/Am Competition

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation | 3

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

EXTENDED SCHOOL ENRICHMENT (ESE)Established in 2006 through a partnership with Carmel Clay Schools, ESE provides before and after school care in each of the school district’s 11 elementary schools, serving an average of 1,200 students each day. Our ESE program also offers a variety of traditional and specialty summer camps, providing opportunities for summertime fun, learning, and exploration.By the numbers…• 2,409: Total before and after school enrollment for 2013-14 school year (7th consecutive

year with increased enrollment)• 11: Simultaneous events held at each before and after school location, making it the

largest “Lights on Afterschool” celebration in Indiana• 5,788: Summer camp enrollment (28% increase from 2013)

MARKETING & COMMUNITY EVENTSEffective marketing and communications, popular community events, a thriving volunteer program, and increased local and national media coverage all contribute to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s success, helping increase brand awareness and support within our community.By the numbers…• 9,067,230: Total circulation impressions from print, broadcast, internet, and social

media, with a collective publicity value of $769,495• $92,101: Value of 4,084 volunteer hours provided by community members to assist

with programs, community events, and park clean-ups• >13,000: Attendance at 36 community events, such as Family Campout and Princess

Ball• 727: Number of registered volunteers

MONON COMMUNITY CENTER (MCC)With amenities and program offerings unsurpassed anywhere in the state, the Monon Community Center is the community’s one-stop source for recreation, fitness, and family fun. This award-winning facility features indoor and outdoor aquatics, fitness center, 3-court gymnasium, program and meeting rooms, and so much more.By the numbers…• 603,195: Number of member and day/punch pass visits (57,535 increase from 2013)• 56,017: Registered participants in 2,505 different recreation programs (9% growth

from 2013)• 9,897: Monthly and Annual Escape Pass memberships • 195: Keurig brews; the equivalent amount of energy captured by ReRev from MCC

members using the Precor elliptical machines  PARKS & GREENWAYSAward-winning parks, nature preserves, and greenways support activities such as picnicking, playing on playgrounds, splashing at spray parks, walking or biking on trails, playing sports, fishing, viewing wildlife, and simply enjoying the great outdoors.By the numbers…• 541: Acres of parkland owned and managed by the Park Board• 171: Dead or at-risk trees removed at a total cost of $27,236 (40% were Ash Trees

killed by the Emerald Ash Borer)• 21.7: Miles of developed trails within the park system• 12: Number of parks (all but one has developed amenities)• 4: Number of greenway trails, including the Monon Greenway, which is designated a

“National Recreation Trail” by the National Park Service

Quality parks, greenways, and opportunities for recreation and wellness contribute significantly to our community’s quality of life. Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is dedicated to providing enriching, enjoyable escapes through recreation, fitness, and nature.

Extended School Enrichment

Family Campout

POUND® Class at MCC

West Park, Jill’s Hill

4 | Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

CENTRAL PARK | NORTH CAMPUSFirst phase development began on the northern section of Central Park located along 116th Street. Along with Carmel’s first public dog park, the north campus will include a picnic shelter, open meadow, and restroom facility. A new parking lot will serve the amenities and become a trailhead for the Interurban and other Central Park trails. The dog park and other amenities open in August 2015.

FOUNDERS PARK | RALPH L. WILFONG PAVILIONImprovements to Carmel’s newest park continued with the opening of a new 5,300 SF meeting facility. The pavilion is named in honor of Ralph L. Wilfong in recognition of his many contributions to the Carmel community and a previous $100,000 donation from his family. The facility includes a dividable meeting room overlooking the pond and natural areas. The Wilfong Pavilion has already hosted various CCPR summer camps, programs, and private rentals, and served as home of the Carmel Winter Farmers Market.

MONON COMMUNITY CENTER | EAST BUILDING REFRESHImprovements were made to the East Building as part of a multi-year effort to upgrade the Monon Community Center’s interior finishes. Taking into consideration the MCC’s evolving use, more durable flooring was installed in the multipurpose rooms and hallways to better accommodate the wear and tear of summer camps and other recreation programs. Wall coverings were also replaced throughout the lower level of the East Building. Future improvements are planned for the gymnasium corridor and aquatic locker rooms in the West Building.

MONON COMMUNITY CENTER | FITNESS CENTER EqUIPMENTNew state-of-the-art cardio equipment was installed in the fitness center, replacing 20 elliptical machines originally purchased in 2007 for the facility’s grand opening. The old units exceeded the typical 4-5 year life expectancy of cardio equipment. The treadmills, our most used cardio equipment, will be replaced in 2015.

THE WATERPARK | FEATURE ENHANCEMENTSComplementing the thrill of Indiana’s only FlowRider®, a new aquatic climbing wall replaced the 1-meter diving board. In addition to providing a second skill-based activity for visitors of The Waterpark, it resulted in a significant reduction of rescues in the deep pool. Other enhancements included a new cargo net, lily pads, and a sea dragon, replacing worn out equipment and bringing new excitement to the water walk feature.

DEVELOPING EXISTING RESOURCESCarmel and Clay Township are nationally recognized for their park system and high quality of life. Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will continue to build upon our existing parks, facilities, and services to enhance the livability of the community.

replaced 20 elliptical machines

The Wall at The Waterpark

MCC East Lobby

Wilfong Dedication Ceremony

Central Bark Park

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation | 5

2015-2019 PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLANWork continued on a new five-year comprehensive master plan, which will guide development and management of the park and recreation system through 2019. The plan, a requirement of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, is grounded on input from residents and stakeholders and will be presented for approval by the Park Board in early 2015.

NATIONAL ACCREDITATIONCarmel Clay Parks & Recreation completed the multi-year process to become accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). In March, three CAPRA Visitors completed an assessment of the Department’s policies and practices against 144 national

standards of excellence. The Commission formally granted accreditation at a hearing during the NRPA conference in October. CCPR has now joined an elite group of park systems, with only 139 park and recreation agencies currently accredited nationwide.

CREATING RENEWABLE ENERGYThe Monon Community Center installed ReRev, a system that captures human energy generated by fitness members using our Precor elliptical machines and converts it into renewable energy. One elliptical in regular use will generate one kilowatt hour of electricity every two days. With every step our members take, surplus calories turned into motion drive a generator and produce electricity. The energy from one person’s workout may not be much, but collectively our members are making a notable contribution.

INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL Through a recurring grant from the Carmel Clay Parks Foundation, efforts to eliminate Garlic Mustard and Asian Honeysuckle in Central Park were continued. These highly invasive plants are not native to Indiana and can be harmful to indigenous plants and wildlife. As funding permits, this program will be expanded to other impacted areas within the park system, consistent with the Natural Resources Management Plan for each park.

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURENot only does the park system positively contribute to our quality of life, it should serve as our legacy and gift to future generations. Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is committed to the long-term sustainability of our community’s park system.

Central Park Lagoon

INTeRIoR seCReTaRY, NaTIoN’s ToP PaRK oFFICIal, hosTed BY CCPR

Ben Johnson, Extended School Enrichment Director, was selected as a National Afterschool Ambassador by the Afterschool Alliance. Ben is one of just 13 leaders from 12

states to be chosen for this prestigious honor. Each Ambassador is responsible for organizing a “Lights on Afterschool” event to spotlight the importance of before and after school programs. Not surprisingly, ESE’s celebration at all 11 Carmel Clay elementary schools was the largest event in the state.

ese dIReCToR NaMed NaTIoNal aFTeRsChool aMBassadoR

Secretary Jewell at Flowing Well Park

U.S. Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell visited Carmel in August to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), using the opportunity to encourage Congress to reauthorize this important program. Like many parks throughout Indiana and the country, LWCF helped fund the development of Flowing Well Park, Carmel’s first park. During her visit, Secretary Jewell was treated to a driving tour of Carmel that included West Park, White River Greenway, Founders Park, and Central Park. She also took a walking tour of Flowing Well Park and enjoyed a refreshing drink from Carmel’s renowned artesian well. The visit concluded with a press conference and luncheon at the Monon Community Center with elected officials, representatives from park systems throughout the area, and conservation advocates.

6 | Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

CARMEL CLAY PARKS & RECREATIONCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT: DECEMBER 31, 2014 (101) General (103) Capital (106) Impact Fee (108) ESE (109) MCC (853) Gift (Twp 1215) COIT Capital CONSOLIDATED TOTALREVENUESTaxes-City of Carmel $2,660,799 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,660,799 Taxes-Clay Township $83,991 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,511,865 $2,595,856 Impact Fees $0 $0 $1,144,648 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,144,648 User Fees, Interest & Other Earned Income $0 $478 $1,441 $3,651,160 $4,789,282 $5,476 $12,694 $8,460,531 Total Revenues (a) $2,744,790 $478 $1,146,089 $3,651,160 $4,789,282 $5,476 $2,524,559 $14,861,834

OTHER FINANCING SOURCESCash Reserves as of 12/31/2013 $0 $459,849 $1,878,025 $1,753,464 $1,844,468 $48,043 $5,831,451 $11,815,301 Previous Year Encumbrances $172,533 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $172,533 Transfer from Cash Change Fund $0 $0 $0 $0 $16,000 $0 $0 $16,000 Total Other Financing Sources $172,533 $459,849 $1,878,025 $1,753,464 $1,860,468 $48,043 $5,831,451 $12,003,833

Total Revenues & Other Financing Sources (b) $2,917,323 $460,327 $3,024,114 $5,404,624 $6,649,750 $53,519 $8,356,010 $26,865,667

OPERATING EXPENSESPersonal Services $1,797,515 $0 $0 $2,608,370 $2,350,441 $0 $0 $6,756,326 Supplies $100,042 $0 $0 $264,711 $367,384 $158 $0 $732,295 Other Services & Charges $804,088 $0 $0 $446,684 $1,946,983 $6,056 $0 $3,203,811 Capital Outlay $18,825 $0 $0 $0 $24,640 $0 $0 $43,465 Total Operating Expenses (c) $2,720,471 $0 $0 $3,319,765 $4,689,447 $6,214 $0 $10,735,897

DEVELOPMENT & OTHER EXPENSESCapital Development & Maintenance $0 $922 $1,283,676 $0 $0 $0 $1,908,209 $3,192,806 Transfer to Cash Change Fund $0 $0 $0 $0 $16,000 $0 $0 $16,000 Total Development & Other Expenses $0 $922 $1,283,676 $0 $16,000 $0 $1,908,209 $3,208,806

Total Expenses (d) $2,720,471 $922 $1,283,676 $3,319,765 $4,705,447 $6,214 $1,908,209 $13,944,704

ENCUMBRANCES & RESERVESEncumbrances & Dedicated to Projects $139,250 $459,405 $259,217 $0 $0 $0 $3,947,801 $4,805,674 Designated Gifts $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $9,520 $0 $9,520 MCC Operating Reserve $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 Park System Capital Maintenance Reserve $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 Cash Flow Reserve $0 $0 $0 $800,000 $1,200,000 $0 $0 $2,000,000 Total Encumbrances & Reserves $139,250 $459,405 $259,217 $800,000 $1,200,000 $9,520 $6,447,801 $9,315,194

Total Expenses, Encumbrances & Reserves (e) $2,859,721 $460,327 $1,542,893 $4,119,765 $5,905,447 $15,734 $8,356,010 $23,259,898

Operating Net Income (a - c) n/a n/a n/a $331,394 $99,835 n/a n/a n/a Cost Recovery (a ÷ c) 110% 102%

Ending Cash Balance/Investments (b - d) n/a $459,405 $1,740,438 $2,084,858 $1,944,303 $47,306 $6,447,801 $12,724,111 Unencumbered/Undedicated Funds (b - e) $57,602 $0 $1,481,221 $1,284,858 $744,303 $37,786 $0 $3,605,770

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation | 7

West Park

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is dedicated to ensuring all Carmel Clay residents are able to enjoy our programs and services. Over the past five years, the Department has awarded over $1.6 million in fee waivers and scholarships to individuals and families with economic challenges.

By the numbers…• $165,875: Extended School Enrichment and

Summer Camp Series registration assistance provided

• $43,909: MCC membership and recreation program registration assistance provided

• 1,499: Recipients of financial assistance• $999: Staff donations from Jeans Friday

program benefiting scholarships

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT: DECEMBER 31, 2014 (101) General (103) Capital (106) Impact Fee (108) ESE (109) MCC (853) Gift (Twp 1215) COIT Capital CONSOLIDATED TOTALREVENUESTaxes-City of Carmel $2,660,799 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,660,799 Taxes-Clay Township $83,991 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,511,865 $2,595,856 Impact Fees $0 $0 $1,144,648 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,144,648 User Fees, Interest & Other Earned Income $0 $478 $1,441 $3,651,160 $4,789,282 $5,476 $12,694 $8,460,531 Total Revenues (a) $2,744,790 $478 $1,146,089 $3,651,160 $4,789,282 $5,476 $2,524,559 $14,861,834

OTHER FINANCING SOURCESCash Reserves as of 12/31/2013 $0 $459,849 $1,878,025 $1,753,464 $1,844,468 $48,043 $5,831,451 $11,815,301 Previous Year Encumbrances $172,533 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $172,533 Transfer from Cash Change Fund $0 $0 $0 $0 $16,000 $0 $0 $16,000 Total Other Financing Sources $172,533 $459,849 $1,878,025 $1,753,464 $1,860,468 $48,043 $5,831,451 $12,003,833

Total Revenues & Other Financing Sources (b) $2,917,323 $460,327 $3,024,114 $5,404,624 $6,649,750 $53,519 $8,356,010 $26,865,667

OPERATING EXPENSESPersonal Services $1,797,515 $0 $0 $2,608,370 $2,350,441 $0 $0 $6,756,326 Supplies $100,042 $0 $0 $264,711 $367,384 $158 $0 $732,295 Other Services & Charges $804,088 $0 $0 $446,684 $1,946,983 $6,056 $0 $3,203,811 Capital Outlay $18,825 $0 $0 $0 $24,640 $0 $0 $43,465 Total Operating Expenses (c) $2,720,471 $0 $0 $3,319,765 $4,689,447 $6,214 $0 $10,735,897

DEVELOPMENT & OTHER EXPENSESCapital Development & Maintenance $0 $922 $1,283,676 $0 $0 $0 $1,908,209 $3,192,806 Transfer to Cash Change Fund $0 $0 $0 $0 $16,000 $0 $0 $16,000 Total Development & Other Expenses $0 $922 $1,283,676 $0 $16,000 $0 $1,908,209 $3,208,806

Total Expenses (d) $2,720,471 $922 $1,283,676 $3,319,765 $4,705,447 $6,214 $1,908,209 $13,944,704

ENCUMBRANCES & RESERVESEncumbrances & Dedicated to Projects $139,250 $459,405 $259,217 $0 $0 $0 $3,947,801 $4,805,674 Designated Gifts $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $9,520 $0 $9,520 MCC Operating Reserve $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 Park System Capital Maintenance Reserve $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 Cash Flow Reserve $0 $0 $0 $800,000 $1,200,000 $0 $0 $2,000,000 Total Encumbrances & Reserves $139,250 $459,405 $259,217 $800,000 $1,200,000 $9,520 $6,447,801 $9,315,194

Total Expenses, Encumbrances & Reserves (e) $2,859,721 $460,327 $1,542,893 $4,119,765 $5,905,447 $15,734 $8,356,010 $23,259,898

Operating Net Income (a - c) n/a n/a n/a $331,394 $99,835 n/a n/a n/a Cost Recovery (a ÷ c) 110% 102%

Ending Cash Balance/Investments (b - d) n/a $459,405 $1,740,438 $2,084,858 $1,944,303 $47,306 $6,447,801 $12,724,111 Unencumbered/Undedicated Funds (b - e) $57,602 $0 $1,481,221 $1,284,858 $744,303 $37,786 $0 $3,605,770

$209,784in scholarships awarded to

Carmel & Clay Township residents

FINaNCIal assIsTaNCe

Founders Park

VIsIoN

CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION The Park Board was originally established in August 1991 through an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Carmel and Clay Township. A distinct, political subdivision under Indiana law, the Park Board serves as the policy-setting body and fiduciary guardian for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. The Park Board consists of nine members appointed by the Mayor (4), Township Trustee (4), and Carmel Clay School Board (1).

2014 Board MembersJames L. Engledow, PresidentRichard F. Taylor III, Vice President Jenn Kristunas, TreasurerJoshua A. Kirsh, SecretaryDonna Cihak Hansen

SENIOR MANAGEMENTMark Westermeier, CPRP, Director of Parks & RecreationMichael W. Klitzing, CPRE, Chief Operating OfficerKurtis Baumgartner, CPRP, Monon Community Center DirectorJohn Gates, Park Maintenance DirectorBen Johnson, Extended School Enrichment DirectorAudrey Kostrzewa, Business Services DirectorLindsay Labas, Marketing Director

We envision an accessible system of vibrant community parks, diverse recreation facilities, sustainable park resources, and engaging recreation programs that contribute to healthy individuals and families, an active and tightly-knit community, a thriving economy, and a high quality of life in the City of Carmel and Clay Township.

The mission of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is to strengthen our community and serve residents through the acquisition, development, and management of high-quality, innovative parks and facilities for recreation, preservation, and programming.

Water Walking, Group Fitness ProgramVolunteer at Fantastic Friday

Pacers Basketball Camp

MIssIoN

Wendy FranklinKathie FreedRichard LeirerLinus Rude

1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel, IN | 317.848.7275 | InTrac: 711 | carmelclayparks.com

Young Athletes, Adaptive Program