Contents
Welcome to the conversation.
The first step in any new endeavor is both exciting and empowering. It requires a commitment and an investment in working toward a goal whether the journey is undertaken alone or alongside invaluable partners, collaborators and supporters. This fall issue highlights many first steps that are made possible through connection: with our communities and neighbors, with nature, our personal health and wellness, each other, and the future. All stories that inspire us to set goals and consistently put in the day-to-day work to achieve success — building bridges and connecting us to the spirit of community every day.
Regards,
Michael Klitzing, CPRE Director of Parks and Recreation/CEO
We encourage you to share your stories! @carmelclayparks
Consistency,
Consistency, persistency and commitment give MCC member Sean Gray a supportive community on his fitness journey.
By Sheryl Rodgers
Chances are you may have seen Monon Community Center (MCC) member Sean Gray out and about in Carmel walking to just about everything that is a part of his life including working at Goodwill, a stop for a Reuben sandwich at Joe’s Butcher Shop, a quick bite and game of Bingo at Muldoon’s, or a frozen treat at Rita’s Italian Ice. You don’t have to spend much time with Gray to know he is always on the move, living independently and thriving. He’ll also tell you he doesn’t ever miss a personal training session at the MCC with his trainer Nate Thomas who also keeps him on-the-move three times a week.
“I’m here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to work out with Nate,” shared Gray. “Monday is our push day and that means that we push a little harder to challenge myself. Wednesday is repetition day, and I try to do extra reps and work toward endurance and improved strength. On Friday we stretch to stay mobile and give me a full range of motion.”
Working Toward Health and Wellness
For Gray, who has been active in adaptive programs and activities at the MCC for the past few years, collaborating with a personal trainer has helped him work toward reaching his individual health and wellness goals to lose a bit of weight, improve his endurance and strength, and be in overall better shape.
“Sean’s
goals are just like everyone else’s personal workout goals. He’s very committed, and we focus on routine, consistency, persistency, and always giving 100 percent of himself each time we meet. We don’t use the word ‘can’t’ unless it is followed by ‘right now’ with the goal of trying again tomorrow or the next time to reach ‘I can’ mode.”
Gray and Thomas have also trained and tackled a 5K (3.1 miles) and are working to gain the endurance and strength to attempt another 5K soon. Consistency is also a part of the 5K training including walking on the MCC’s indoor track and outside on the Monon Greenway to build up stamina to complete the race in the time allowed.
“Repetition and planning with Sean allows him to go into the event prepared,” Thomas said. “We keep it consistent to push for long-term success for Sean.”
The First Step is Empowering Thomas shared that setting and reaching goals for Sean is the same as for many of his other personal training clients. The journey may be different, but the goals are the same. By having no expectations – but instead setting standards to meet – allows for goals to be achieved. “If we’ve prepared for it, we can achieve it.”
“It’s both a bit scary and empowering to take those first steps on the journey to lifetime fitness,” Thomas said. “Sean was no different, and I know it was difficult at first to try something new, but he’s so completely committed and has a great support system that I knew from day one that he was going to be successful. He’s one of my most consistent clients.”
No Limits
Gray lives independently, works, cooks a mean pork chop, helps his artist mother at Carmel’s First Fridays, loves to travel with his family, volunteers at Fields Market Garden, enjoys his friendly IU – PU rivalry with Thomas, prefers Elvis’ Blue Suede Shoes and country music, and still finds dedicated time to work out.
“We all set limits on ourselves,” Thomas said. “Being active and moving every day is so important not only for our bodies now but later in life. Sean gets that. He understands that moving, healthy life choices and consistency are key to meeting his own personal goals.”
The MCC has been home to Gray’s hard work over the past few years, providing a vibrant support community beyond the support from family, friends, and of course, Thomas.
“Sean is someone who’s got a plan, and I’m just glad to be a part of it,” Thomas stated. “He knows when he gets here for his session that we have work to do every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Students learn invaluable career and life skills.
By Grace Fishback
When Carmel High School student May Murad joined the Work-Based Learning program, she didn’t think she’d end up loving her time with kids. But after a year working as an after school counselor with Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation’s Extended School Enrichment (ESE) program, she had a new perspective.
“I didn’t think I’d enjoy working with kids,” said Murad. “But I found it to be therapeutic. It was stressful, but a fun kind of stressful.”
The partnership with CHS offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience in youth education, guiding them on their future career path and helping them grow both personally and professionally.
Some Things You Can’t Teach
in a
Classroom
The Work-Based Learning program at Carmel High School is designed to help students explore future career paths before entering college. While students may study theories and techniques in class, working with ESE lets them apply those lessons with real kids.
“In a classroom, you can study child development, behavior management and leadership skills,” shared ESE director Jennifer Brown, “but until you’re there with the kids, you don’t have the full picture.”
During the program, students are paired with an after-school counselor who mentors them as they learn the ins and outs of the role. They gain on-the-job experience supervising students, guiding transitions and leading activities. They also receive training in CPR, AED, suicide prevention (QPR), and CPI verbal de-escalation techniques – skills they can take with them into future jobs or internships.
“We tailor the experience to each student,” explained Brown. “Some want to lead games, others to plan special events or learn parent communication. We help them build the skills they’re most curious about.”
Reinforcing a Passion for Education
Some students join the program to see if working with kids is a good fit. Others, like highschool student Kate Steinert, are looking for confirmation that they’re on the right path.
When Steinert heard she could work as an afterschool counselor at Carmel Elementary, she jumped at the chance.
Throughout the school year, Steinert worked closely with first and second graders, developing connections with each child and learning how to keep them engaged. Not only did the experience help her refine her leadership skills, but she also gained the confidence to think on her feet.
“My favorite part of the program was getting to know each individual kid,” Steinert said.
“I learned so much about behavior management and how to plan meaningful activities. These are skills I’ll definitely use when I’m a teacher.”
Another participant, Nolan Peterson, plans to major in elementary and special education with hopes of becoming a teacher.
“The kids have such big imaginations – they come up with ideas we’d never think of,” Peterson said. “Just being here is fun.”
Confidence and Clarity for the Future
Whether students choose to pursue teaching or another career, the skills they develop through ESE are invaluable: leadership, communication, problem-solving and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
“We’ve seen it go in both directions,” said Brown. “Some students say, ‘this is great, this is what I want to do,’ and others say, ‘I had no idea how challenging this is.’ Either way, they’ve gained confidence and clarity about their future.”
That’s the heart of the ESE collaborative WorkBased Learning experience. The partnership helps students step into the real world, try something new and grow into leaders, no matter where life takes them.
CHS students can learn more about the Work-Based Learning program by contacting Richard Reid at rreid@ccs.12.us
A Regional Collaboration
The $11 million project stands as a model of regional cooperation with multiple local jurisdictions coming together to realize a shared vision for connectivity, sustainability and public access to the river corridor.
Clay Township contributed $5 million through its Impact Program, a strategic funding initiative designed to enhance city infrastructure in support of public safety and the local parks system.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation invested $3 million, reinforcing its commitment to expanding the White River Greenway trail and providing the community with more opportunities to connect with nature and improved access to the river for recreational use.
Hamilton County contributed $1.6 million, underscoring its role in supporting multijurisdictional projects that benefit residents countywide.
Delaware Township invested $1.3 million, noting the new bridge will help connect and create one of the largest trail systems in the Midwest. This money will fund the approach to the bridge and connection to the 106th Street pedestrian trail on the Fishers side.
City of Fishers contributed $400,000, highlighting its support for trail connectivity and outdoor recreation opportunities along the White River.
The construction, which began in early 2024 with tree clearing and site prep, is expected to wrap up by fall 2025. A ribbon-cutting and reopening of Hazel Landing Park, which has been temporarily closed during construction, will coincide with the bridge’s debut.
Honoring the Land and Its Stories
The site is rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Klitzing explained that CCPR partnered with federally recognized tribes to name the bridge Bur Oak Bridge, honoring the trees that have long been significant in indigenous life.
Educational signage sharing indigenous history will be installed soon. “We want to be thoughtful stewards of this land and its stories,” he said. “We want to act as a conduit for telling the truth of this place.”
The park will also feature interpretive signage, scenic overlooks, and a kayak launch just north of the bridge. “On a perfect spring or fall day, whether you’re walking or biking at sunrise or sunset, you might see eagles, herons, deer, or turtles soaking up the sun. It’s a true immersion in nature,” Klitzing said.
Community Connections and Riverfront Vision
More than just a scenic path, the bridge is a practical connection for residents. Without it, travelers must drive more than three miles to get between the two parks. The new bridge makes a car-free option finally feasible — and far more pleasant than using busy crossings at 96th or 116th Streets.
The bridge also strengthens a shared riverfront vision. In total, nearly 326 acres of riverfront property will be preserved for recreation, with CCPR and the City of Fishers jointly stewarding parkland and open space, and the Indiana Land Trust managing the 77-acre Nonie Weaver Krauss Nature Preserve as part of that larger landscape.
Other parks and nature preserves connected by the bridge include:
· Hazel Landing Park (Carmel): 96 acre
· Heritage Park (Fishers): 33 acre
· White River Park (Fishers): 120 acres
“This is a literal and symbolic bridge between our two communities,” offered Klitzing. “We’re proud of what it represents — connectivity, access to nature and long-term collaboration.”
A True Regional Gateway
When the trails are complete, visitors will be able to travel from Carmel’s Hazel Landing Park
to Midtown, City Center, and Central Park — or continue through Fishers toward the Nickel Plate Trail and White River Greenway — all without ever getting in a car. Future plans include expanding the White River Greenway south of 116th Street. Once completed the White River Greenway will bisect The 106 Trail near the new bridge, further enhancing trail connectivity.
“It’s a truly stunning location along the White River,” Klitzing said. “The bridge is a signature feature that feels both timeless and natural to the setting. We are thrilled to introduce this amenity to the community, offering new opportunities for recreation and enjoyment.”
PARK SPOTLIGHT: HAZEL LANDING REOPENS THIS FALL!
Hazel Landing Park reopens this fall after a temporary closure for construction of the new Bur Oak pedestrian bridge across the White River, connecting it to Heritage Park in Fishers.
A longtime favorite for families, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts, Hazel Landing offers wooded trails, open green space, and easy river access—perfect for a relaxing day or an outdoor adventure.
Nature Trails & Green Space
Canoe/Kayak Launch
18-Hole Disc Golf Picnic Areas with Grills
Adaptive Drawing, Painting & Clay
Mondays, Nov.-Jan. | Ages 6+ | Monon Community Center, Art Studio | $58
Jump into our creative programs with artist Zach Lowe and discover your inner artist! Learn how to create the perfect piece of artwork while working with a wide variety of mediums and materials. Each program will offer different techniques and concepts while making sure you leave with a unique finished product.
*Program designed for individuals with disabilities.
Learn to Swim Level 1: Swim Lessons
Saturdays, Sundays OR Tuesdays, Nov.-Dec. | Ages 6-14
Monon Community Center, Indoor Aquatics | $62
Designed for beginners ages 6-14 with little or no experience in the water. Children will begin to familiarize themselves with the water and learn basic swimming skills, including kicking, floating, arm circles, and gliding.
Owl Hooting at West Park
Friday, Dec. 5 | All ages | West Park, Jill Perelman Pavilion
$15
Who, who, who wants to learn all about Indiana owls? Owls begin nesting in late January and early February, making this a perfect time to spot them establishing nesting territories. You will dissect an owl pellet to discover what the owl ate for dinner! After sunset, weather permitting,we will take a short hike through the woods to hoot for an owl.
Intro to Pickleball Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 15 & Jan. 24 | Ages 15+
Monon Community Center, Gymnasium C | $15
Want to learn to play pickleball, but don’t know where to start? This introductory class will teach you the basics of this fun sport. Participants must wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Loaner paddles and pickleballs are provided.
Tai Chi Level 1
Saturdays, Nov. 1-Dec. 13 OR Wednesdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 17
Ages 16+ Monon Community Center, East Studio A, East Studio B | $59
Get in your 30 minutes of recommended daily exercise as you experience the health and wellness benefits of Tai Chi. The class begins with mindful breathing and a series of gentle warm-ups. You’ll then follow the instructor step-by-step through a flowing, easy to learn “Tai Chi for Life” routine designed to improve balance and flexibility, increase muscle strength and bone density, burn calories, and reduce stress.
Looking for new ways to connect, create and stay active this fall? Check out these upcoming programs and events at Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation!
LEA R N ING THRI VING
Building future lives of service.
By Sheryl Rodgers
They say nothing feels as good as giving back. But there might be one thing that is better — the empowered feeling of giving back alongside your daughter. A volunteer partnership between Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) and the National Charity League’s (NCL) local Carmel chapter makes it all possible.
“Six years ago, the NCL started a local Carmel chapter, and I’ve been involved ever since,” shared local volunteer liaison Kristen Ritchey.
“The organization fosters the mother-daughter relationship through an ongoing commitment to philanthropy, culture and leadership to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.”
Once the local chapter was founded, it began to search for local partners where their members and daughters could volunteer. Beyond the over 6,000 charities and 3 million volunteer hours contributed on a national level, the local chapter wanted to be able to make a hands-on and visible difference in their community. They chose CCPR and its Adopt-A-Park program as a great place to get started.
“We began our volunteer efforts at West Park followed by Carey Grove and eventually Meadowlark Park as well,” Ritchey said.
“Mothers and daughters are out at each of the parks twice a month to pick up trash, branches or stones to keep the parks and the pathways looking clean and ready for park goers. We keep a watchful eye and report back any problems we see. We are pretty attached to the parks we serve and want them to look and be their very best.”
Learning Impactful Philanthropy and Leadership
Ritchey and her high-school daughter Olivia are regular park volunteers, and she volunteered in the past with her college-aged daughter Kayla as well. Ritchey explains that the program is a sixyear commitment for participating girls from 7th through 12th grades.
“Our vision is to provide our daughters with a real-life, hands-on learning curriculum that showcases the importance of philanthropy and leadership, and it is very impactful to see the difference they are making,” offered Ritchey. “It is a culture that we hope they will sustain their
entire lives whether they remain in the Carmel community or travel on to other places they will call home.”
For CCPR, the need for volunteers is always growing and the consistent support from the NCL over the past six years has been a vital partnership to keeping the parks thriving.
“We are truly grateful to the mothers and daughters of the National Charity League for the time, care and heart they’ve put into our parks,” said CCPR volunteer coordinator Abby Wallace. “Their continued support has helped make our parks cleaner, safer and more welcoming for everyone. Their volunteer work not only improves our environment but teaches the value of stewardship and shows just how powerful community action can be. Seeing generations come together to give back is a reminder of what makes the Carmel community so special.”
A Growing Community of Servant Leaders
Beyond the clean-up at West, Carey Grove and Meadowlark parks, NCL volunteers are also participating in a watering project every Monday at West Park after 100 white oak swamp trees were planted there in spring. The watering project is just another visible example of the
impact volunteerism has on helping nature to grow and reinvigorate the landscape.
“Our organization began working with CCPR in 2019 just before COVID hit,” Ritchey said. “The work at the parks was something we could continue to do together during the pandemic that gave us purpose and joy by volunteering at a time when there weren’t many opportunities to get out and make a difference in the community.”
In 2019 NCL’s local Carmel chapter had around 60 volunteers and today boasts more than 200 mothers and daughters out volunteering in the community learning the importance of leading a life of service and giving back. For those traveling the park paths, Ritchey hopes she and her daughters have made a positive impact on their experience and that maybe a mother and daughter will be inspired to join their efforts.
“Volunteering isn’t just a one-time thing but a way of life,” Ritchey shared. “Growing up, my family wasn’t involved in volunteering. I’ve always known that I wanted it to be a part of my life and my daughters’ lives. My hope is that all the daughters going through our philanthropic program take the skills they learn here and become lifelong volunteers. There really is so much joy in giving back.”
For more information on how to volunteer with the National Charity League’s local Carmel chapter, feel free to reach out to VP of Membership Meredith Loughmiller at mloughmillerncl@gmail.com.
Kim Ryan’s fitness class builds strength, balance and friendship in nature. Patricia Pickett, APR
Every Wednesday at 9 a.m., a small but mighty group gathers at the Monon Community Center (MCC), resistance bands in hand and ready to walk—together. Led by longtime Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) fitness professional Kim Ryan, On the Trail to Fitness is far more than a walking group. It’s an energizing blend of movement, memory, and meaningful connection, built around a simple truth: staying active doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does have to be consistent.
Ryan, a former high school teacher and coach with a master’s in physical education, has worked with CCPR for over 13 years. She’s been leading On the Trail to Fitness nearly that long, and in that time, the class has evolved from a casual walk into a thoughtfully layered fitness experience. Participants — most in their 50s through 80s — don’t just walk 2 to 2.5 miles; they train for balance, brain health, strength, and resilience in the most beautiful “gym” imaginable: the parks and trails of Central Park.
“It’s not fancy,” Ryan said. “But it works. The people who come to this class just like to walk. The add-ons I’ve incorporated are a bonus.”
More Than a Walk in the Woods
Those “bonus” elements are what make On the Trail to Fitness so unique. Interspersed throughout the walk are bursts of activity using bodyweight or resistance tubing: squats on trailside railings, push-ups on benches, step-ups
on boulders. Even the terrain becomes a training tool — participants walk forward, backward, sideways up inclines, practicing footwork patterns to challenge balance and coordination. Ryan also throws in some sprint work (walking fast, no running!) as well.
“As we get older, we lose that ability to move quickly unless you keep using it and doing things that require fast motions,” Ryan shared. “That keeps us in shape for running after grandkids!” Posture, alignment, and proper walking mechanics are part of every session, especially helpful for new members.
But Ryan doesn’t stop at the physical. The class also exercises the brain. One moment, participants might be counting backward from 100 by sevens. The next, recalling birds they’ve spotted or facing out in a circle for a game of observation and recall. “It’s about awareness,” she explains. “Your mind and your body both need the training to avoid falls, move with confidence, and stay sharp.”
Ryan’s fitness philosophy is practical and grounded. “You have to do what you like — but sometimes you also have to do what you don’t love, like strength training,” she laughed. “But the benefits, like preventing falls, are enormous.”
Building Friendships on the Trail, Too
The class attracts a dedicated crowd, many of whom return season after season. While On the Trail to Fitness runs from April through October, the friendships don’t end there. “A lot of the
group keeps walking together through the winter, meeting at indoor tracks or braving the trails when weather allows,” Ryan said. “It’s created a club atmosphere. The social connection is just as important as the workout.”
Class member Rhonda Angsman underscores the class’s social aspects. New to the class last spring and a relatively new member of the Monon Community Center, she said she didn’t know what to expect, but the walking appealed to her and thought it would be a fun way to meet people and build some camaraderie.
“Kim does an amazing job of making sure we know each other,” Angsman said. “We inevitably walk in pairs because of the width of the trail. She consistently will have us switch walking partners throughout the class. It is so helpful to newcomers, and it’s such a welcoming group.”
Now in her fourth year participating in On the Trail to Fitness, Stephanie Cadle said the outdoor walking aspect drew her to the class, but Ryan’s class techniques keep her coming back. “It’s a lot of fun, and a great way to get to know others, get to know the parks and get in shape. It’s more than walking — it checks a lot of boxes.”
Class size is intentionally kept small — usually four to eight people so Ryan can adapt to a range of fitness levels. “Some folks are slower walkers.
That’s okay,” she said. “We make it work.” Participants don’t need much to get started, just good walking shoes, a water bottle and sunscreen. And maybe, a readiness to laugh, learn and move a little more each week.
“Kim really makes it fun,” said Angsman. “Some participants have been there a long time, and I can certainly see myself being one of them.”
On the Trail Fitness meets Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Monon Community Center. Registration for the winter/spring sessions will be available in November through Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. Whether you’re looking to move more, meet others or simply enjoy nature with intention, Kim Ryan’s class offers something rare: a welcoming space to strengthen your body, challenge your brain, and find community—one step at a time.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreational programming for all abilities and ages. Our program categories include nature, aquatics, adaptive, arts & culture, sports, senior, and wellness. Our recreation programs change with the seasons, offering a variety of activities for summer, fall, and winter/spring. GET