2024 Solar Eclipse FAQs  Everything you need to know about viewing the eclipse at CCPR  On April 8, Indiana will experience a solar eclipse and you’ll be able to see it right here in Carmel. Are you planning to view the eclipse from one of our parks? In this blog, we’re sharing helpful information and fun facts to ensure you have an enjoyable, safe, and convenient experience.   General Tips & Info  What is a total solar eclipse? According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. This casts a shadow that either fully or partia ..read more

Carmel, Ind. (Feb. 16, 2024) – In March, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) will hold its sixth annual Barrier-Free Theatre performance in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This year’s performance, titled Mystery at the Rider Mansion, will be held at the Monon Community Center on Saturday, March 16 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m. An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided for the Saturday show.    Barrier-Free Theatre is a form of drama therapy that empowers individuals with and without disabilities to create and perform origin ..read more

Contents:   What is strength training anyway?  It turns out, muscle matters  Impressive results – physically and mentally  Try These Exercises!     Step into the Monon Community Center (MCC) fitness center and you’ll see a shift—dumbbells are the new hot commodity while cardio machines gather dust. Why? Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders anymore! More and more gym goers are catching on to its health perks beyond bulking up. If you’re looking for a fitness routine that will boost strength, metabolism, bone density and even your confidence, th ..read more

Andrea S. shares the impact of the MCC beyond physical fitness + how she continues to expand her fitness horizons As a group fitness instructor of 20 years, Andrea S. is passionate about health and wellness.   “Fitness is just a part of my life,” says Andrea. “It’s like brushing my teeth—it’s something that I do each day to keep myself healthy. I think staying active, even if that means you’re just going for a walk once a day, is the key to living well.”   Andrea loves teaching group fitness classes at the Monon Community Center (MCC) because of the people. Group fitness ..read more

Samantha A.’s Story Monon Community Center (MCC) member Samantha A. has always had an amazing brain buzzing with creativity. She’s worked in the food industry for most of her life and is constantly coming up with new culinary creations – she’s even launching her own chocolate company, Food Pyrates, in the coming months! But late last year, Samantha’s body was having trouble keeping up with her fast-paced mind. In December 2022, Samantha discovered she had a serious birth defect; her Iliac artery was kinked, resulting in 90% less blood flow to her left leg and 30% less blood flow to her right l ..read more

Growing up, Zachary Wasik was regularly engaged with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR). From attending the Summer Camp Series (he loved Success on Stage) to Extended School Enrichment (ESE) after-school programming, CCPR was part of Wasik’s day-to-day life from a young age. So, it made perfect sense when he began looking for jobs that he would turn to CCPR for that opportunity.  Since 2018, Wasik has worked with CCPR in various capacities. But no matter the role, one thing remained the same: CCPR was a place where Wasik was welcomed with open arms. A place where he could be fully ..read more

If you’ve read any of our Member Spotlight blogs you’ll know that one of the main reasons our members love the Monon Community Center (MCC) is because (say it with me) we’re not just a gym — we’re a community.  But how do you find your people? If you’re looking to build your community at the MCC, try one of our group fitness classes! Exercising in a group setting offers MCC members the opportunity to connect with new people, maintain high levels of motivation, and enjoy the convenience of a pre-planned exercise routine.  What is Group Fitness?  A group fitness class is a workout ..read more

Staff Spotlight: Courtney Maybe they teach you a new sport, help you unwind at the end of the day, or get you to prioritize your mental health. No matter the context, our staff are passionate about what they do and they’re experts in their respective fields.  In this series, you’ll learn more about the people in our navy shirts and we’ll get to brag about our talented teammates. Today we’re shining our staff spotlight on Courtney, one of our group fitness instructors.  Q: How long have you worked at the Monon Community Center (MCC)? I’ve worked at the MCC for nine years. Q: What do y ..read more

If you’ve ever left your porch light on at night or taken a walk through a blooming garden, you’ve likely seen a Lepidoptera or two. But what exactly is a Lepidoptera? The term Lepidoptera combines two Greek words, “lepis” meaning scales and “ptero” meaning wings, and describes butterflies, skippers, and moths. Butterflies are often appreciated for their beautiful wings and vital role as pollinators, but their fuzzy nocturnal cousins, moths, deserve some love, too! In this blog we’ll be learning about three hawk moth (those are really big moths!) species that make their home right here in Indi ..read more

Cherish H. is one busy bee: she’s a stay-at-home mom who homeschools her six kiddos! With such a jam-packed schedule, it’s hard for Cherish to make time for herself. Luckily, the Monon Community Center (MCC) is there to help her slow down and prioritize her health.    “About a decade ago, our oldest daughter, then 3 years old, began participating in recreation programming at the Monon Community Center,” Cherish shared. “We soon fell in love with the facility and its kind staff. We’ve been members almost ever since! The MCC is an amazing community asset, and we are so grateful to ..read more