Annual Report 2013 by Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

GREETINGS! Jeans for a Cause In response to employee suggestions, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation established Jeans Friday in October 2013 to help raise funds for ESE and MCC scholarships. Employees making a nominal donation to the Jeans Day Scholarship Program become eligible to wear blue jeans on Fridays. This voluntary program is open to all employees and provides the only means by which employees may wear jeans to work. In only 3 months, 68 employees participated in Jeans Friday raising $1,008 for scholarships.

Founders Park

hile many park and recreation agencies across the country are reducing services, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) continues to thrive with strong support from its residents and community leaders. Whether it’s building innovative amenities like Indiana’s first FlowRider®, offering an extensive array of adaptive programs for people with disabilities, pursuing national accreditation, or receiving 98% satisfaction rates for the quality of its parks (10 points higher than the national average), CCPR is dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life. Within the past decade, CCPR has invested over $72 million to purchase new parkland, develop parks and recreational facilities, and make capital replacements within existing parks - a sum matched by few park systems nationwide. Since 2010, the Monon Community Center has operated at or above 100% cost recovery as mandated by the Park Board and elected officials. Our Extended School Enrichment, which operates the before and after school program for Carmel Clay Schools, has been self-sufficient since its inception in 2006. In 2013, CCPR achieved 84% cost recovery on its $10 million combined operating budget. This high level of cost recovery has afforded CCPR the opportunity to expand its programs, grow and maintain its workforce, and free up tax dollars for capital projects for the benefit of the citizens we serve. I am pleased to share with you this 2013 annual report. As the highlights within suggest, it truly was another successful year for the park system! Thank you for your continued support of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. Sincerely,

Mark Westermeier, CPRP Director of Parks & Recreation Pictured on Cover: Left- Mom and Me Outdoors | Center Left- Adaptive Prom | Center RightFlowRider® Lessons | Right- Summer Camp Series

2 | Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

$56,000 saved annual maintenance costs

Central Park’s sustainable design Central Park was the feature of a 2013 landscape performance case study completed by the Landscape Architecture Foundation, highlighting how an agricultural landscape was transformed into a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem. The study found that through purposeful design of the lagoon, wetlands, and prairies, the park effectively treats 11.9 million gallons of stormwater runoff, 2.3 million gallons of greywater from the outdoor pools, and saves $56,000 in annual maintenance costs by introducing native plant species in open areas.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY 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 (ESE)

Established in 2006 through a partnership with Carmel Clay Schools, ESE provides before and after school care to approximately 1,200 students each day within the school district’s 11 elementary schools. Our ESE program also offers a variety of traditional and specialty summer camps, providing opportunities for summertime fun, learning, and exploration.

Extended School Enrichment

By the numbers… • 4,526: Summer camp enrollment (increased weekly enrollments by 48 campers/week from 2012) • 2,339: Before & after school enrollment for 2012-13 school year (6th consecutive year with increased enrollment) • 11: Before and after school locations. Through a training partnership with Chaucie’s Place, each site maintained the Darkness to Light Partner in Prevention distinction, signifying our ongoing commitment to protect children from sexual abuse

MARKETING & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Effective marketing and communications, popular events, a thriving volunteer program, and increased local and national media coverage contribute to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s success, helping increase brand awareness and support within our community.

Tour de Carmel

By the numbers… • $104,700: Value of 4,729 volunteer hours provided to assist with programs, events, and park clean-ups • 13,460: Attendance at 19 community events, including Kids Koncerts and Tour de Carmel • 449: Number of active, repeat volunteers • 200%: Increase in Twitter (2,236) and Facebook (2,100) followers over the past year

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.

TRX Class at MCC

By the numbers… • 545,660: Total membership and pass attendance • 56,017: Registered participants in recreation programs • 9,850: Monthly and annual memberships (up 5% from 2012) • 2,411: Types of classes offered

PARKS & GREENWAYS

Award-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… • 502: Acres of parkland owned or managed by the Park Board • 21.7: Miles of developed trails within the park system • 12: Number of parks (all have developed amenities except one) • 4: Number of greenway trails, including the Monon Greenway, which is designated a “National Recreation Trail” by the National Park Service Monon Greenway

DEVELOPING EXISTING RESOURCES Carmel 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.

Founders Park Pavilion

Founders Park | Pavilion

5,300

sq. ft. meeting facility

Improvements to Carmel’s newest park continued in fall 2013 with construction beginning on a new 5,300 SF meeting facility. Scheduled to open in May 2014, the Pavilion will include two program rooms that can open into one large meeting room overlooking the pond and natural areas. In addition to hosting summer camps and yearround recreation programs, the facility will be available to rent for family gatherings and similar events.

Hazel Landing Park | Disc Golf Course

An 18-hole professional disc golf course opened in the summer of 2013, following the successful opening of a 9-hole beginner course in Lawrence W. Inlow Park the previous summer. Rated as the most challenging course in the metro area, it takes full advantage of the topography in this scenic park along the White River.

Disc Golf at Hazel Landing Park

The Waterpark | Cabanas

A year after premiering Indiana’s first FlowRider®, 14 new cabanas were constructed in The Waterpark in time for the 2013 summer season. These stylish shelters with upscale lounge furniture are available for rent and provide the perfect base for any group visiting The Waterpark.

Central Park | Overflow Parking Lot

Construction of a new parking lot was completed in fall 2013, providing 183 new spaces for visitors to The Waterpark and Monon Community Center. This paved parking lot replaces a temporary gravel lot originally installed in 2011.

Central Park | West Commons Playground

Cabanas at The Waterpark

Design development plans for a new community playground, picnic shelters, restrooms, and parking lot were approved by the Park Board in November 2013. These new amenities will be located in the meadow between Central Park West Drive and the lagoon with construction anticipated to begin in late-2014.

Monon Community Center | Fitness Locker Room Refresh

After six years of heavy use, the fitness center locker rooms were redecorated with new flooring and paint, creating a more attractive and durable environment for our guests. The fitness stairway to aquatics was also upgraded to make it a more inviting space. This was the first phase of a 3-year plan to upgrade or replace Monon Community Center interior finishes. Plans for 2014 include replacing flooring in the gymnasium corridor and throughout the east building.

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Central Park West Commons

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Not 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 communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park system. 2015-2019 Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan

Work 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, will be grounded on input from residents and stakeholders and is anticipated to be adopted by the Park Board in mid-2014.

CAPRA Accreditation

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation continued a multi-year process to become accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Throughout 2013, the Department completed a comprehensive self-assessment to measure our policies and practices against 144 national standards of excellence. CCPR will be eligible for accreditation in October 2014, pending a successful CAPRA site visitation and hearing. If achieved, CCPR will join an elite group of park systems, with only 117 park and recreation agencies currently accredited nationwide.

Monon Community Center

And the survey says...

Invasive Species Control

Through a grant received from the Carmel Clay Parks Foundation, an invasice species control program was initiated to help eliminate Garlic Mustard and Asian Honeysuckle from the Woodland Gardens in Central Park. 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 Resource Management Plan for each park.

Rainy Day Reserves

To protect and sustain the park system in the event of unforeseen or emergency situations, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation continued to maintain $2.5 million in rainy day reserves within the COIT Capital Fund (1215) held by the Clay Township Trustee. Of this amount, $1.5 million is dedicated for capital repairs and replacements to existing infrastructure within the park system. An additional $1 million is reserved to cover potential shortfalls at the Monon Community Center due to a natural disaster, poor weather for multiple summers, or other uncontrollable factors. The reserve amount was established based on recommended best practices for park and recreation agencies.

A community survey was conducted in March/April 2013 to help establish priorities for the new Comprehensive Master Plan. The professionally administered survey found 95% of Carmel/Clay Township households feel that parks, recreation services, and open space are very important (62%), important (30%), or somewhat important (3%). The Monon Community Center is visited at least once annually by 69% of all households, followed by the Monon Greenway (55%) and West Park (46%). Reflecting the investment made in the park and recreation system, satisfaction rates for CCPRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks (98%) and programs (94%) eclipsed national averages.

140

Woodland Gardens

national standards of excellence met 5

CARMEL CLAY PARKS & RECREATION Consolidated Financial Report: December 31, 2013

(101) General (103) Capital (106) Impact Fee

(108) ESE

REVENUES Taxes-City of Carmel

$2,614,859

Taxes-Clay Township

$79,761

Impact Fees

$813,790

User Fees, Interest & Other Earned Income

$731

$2,926

$3,607,773

$2,694,620

$731

$816,716

$3,607,773

$689,265

$1,905,206

$1,173,986

$96,256

Total Revenues (a) OTHER FINANCING SOURCES Cash Reserves as of 12/31/2012 Previous Year Encumbrances Transfer from Cash Change Fund

$96,256

$689,265

$1,905,206

$1,173,986

$2,790,876

$689,997

$2,721,922

$4,781,758

$1,712,095

$2,366,904

Supplies

$111,334

$259,410

Other Services & Charges

$646,159

$387,688

$15,599

$14,292

$2,485,187

$3,028,294

Capital Development & Maintenance

$230,148

$843,897

Transfer to Cash Change Fund

Total Development & Other Expenses

$230,148

$843,897

$2,485,187

$230,148

$843,897

$3,028,294

$172,533

$459,849

$1,338,509

Designated Gifts

MCC Operating Reserve

Park System Capital Maintenance Reserve

Total Other Financing Sources Total Revenues & Other Financing Sources (b) OPERATING EXPENSES Personal Services

Capital Outlay Total Operating Expenses (c) DEVELOPMENT & OTHER EXPENSES

Total Expenses (d) ENCUMBRANCES & RESERVES Encumbrances & Dedicated to Projects

Cash Flow Reserve Total Encumbrances & Reserves Total Expenses, Encumbrances & Reserves (e) Operating Net Income (a - c)

$750,000

$172,533

$459,849

$1,338,509

$750,000

$2,657,720

$689,997

$2,182,406

$3,778,294

n/a

$579,478

Cost Recovery (a รท c) Ending Cash Balance/Investments (b - d) Unencumbered/Undedicated Funds (b - e)

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119% n/a

$459,849

$1,878,025

$1,753,464

$133,155

$539,516

$1,003,464

(109) MCC

(853) Gift (Twp 1215) COIT Capital CONSOLIDATED TOTAL

$2,614,859

$2,440,038

$2,519,799

$813,790

$4,856,586

$3,260

$34,423

$8,505,698

$4,856,586

$3,260

$2,474,461

$14,454,146

$1,509,331

$49,715

$5,235,831

$10,563,334

$96,256

$16,500

$1,525,831

$49,715

$5,235,831

$10,676,090

$6,382,417

$52,974

$7,710,292

$25,130,236

$2,222,792

$6,301,791

$346,641

$717,385

$1,925,654

$4,581

$2,964,082

$26,862

$350

$57,103

$4,521,948

$4,931

$10,040,361

$1,878,841

$2,952,886

$16,000

$1,878,841

$2,968,886

$4,537,948

$4,931

$1,878,841

$13,009,247

West Park

$290,928

in scholarships awarded to Carmel & Clay Township residents

Financial Assistance $0

$3,331,451

$5,302,342

$9,789

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$1,130,000

$1,880,000

$1,130,000

$9,789

$5,831,451

$9,692,131

$5,667,948

$14,720

$7,710,292

$22,701,378

$334,637

n/a

$1,844,468

$48,043

$5,831,451

$11,815,301

$714,468

$38,254

$2,428,857

107%

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is dedicated to ensuring all Carmel and Clay Township residents are able to enjoy our programs and services. In 2013, the Department awarded $290,928 in scholarships to individuals and families with economic challenges. By the numbers… • $228,067: Extended School Enrichment and Summer Camp Series registration assistance • $62,861: Monon Community Center membership and recreation program registration assistance • $1,008: Staff donations from Jeans Friday program for scholarships (see Jeans for a Cause on page 2 for more details) West Park • 301: Individuals receiving financial assistance

Family Campout

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). 2013 Board Members James L. Engledow, President Wendy Franklin, Vice President Richard F. Taylor III, Treasurer Richard Leirer, Secretary

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.

Mission

Donna Cihak Hansen Kathie Freed Joshua A. Kirsh Jenn Kristunas Linus Rude

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

Senior Management

Mark Westermeier, CPRP, Director of Parks & Recreation Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE, Chief Operating Officer Kurtis Baumgartner, CPRP, Monon Community Center Director John Gates, Park Maintenance Director Ben Johnson, Extended School Enrichment Director Audrey Kostrzewa, Business Services Director Lindsay Labas, Marketing Director Lynn Russell, Human Resources Director

Summer Camp Series

Deep Water Aerobics

Volunteers at Spring Fever

1411 E. 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032 | 317.848.7275 | InTrac: 711 | carmelclayparks.com