Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) will celebrate its 20^th Anniversary by hosting a yearlong series of events beginning this year in August and ending next year in July.

On Aug. 20, CCPR will host a dedication at Founder’s Park at 11:30 a.m.  On Sep. 20, a cocktail reception will take place from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m at the Monon Community Center. On Oct. 20, the Monon Community Center will sponsor an Open House, according to CCPR marketing manager Lindsay Labas.

Labas said that at the Founder’s Park Dedication, there will not be a tree planting ceremony taking place, which was an error within the news release. The park foundation, according to Labas, will plant one elm tree the week prior to the dedication ceremony and will give a short presentation to talk about the significance of the elm tree to the Carmel area.

According to Labas, the next event in the celebration is a cocktail reception discussing what CCPR has accomplished in the past twenty years, and the event will honor three individuals representing the youth, public, and private sectors with a “Park Champions” award for showing commitment and support.

Labas said in October, there will be an open house for the public featuring programming classes, behind-the-scenes-tours, class demonstrations, and several more activities.

“The first two are just special events, more dignitary orientated and for those individuals who make CCPR what it is today,” Labas said. “Starting in October, the events are more dedicated to patrons and the public and include a customer appreciation day, which offers coffee and snacks.”

“It is important to honor those individuals who honor the park,” Labas said. “We wouldn’t be here without them.”