Bur Oak Bridge opens; Carmel staff recap recycling events and holiday programs

Parks and Carmel Utilities reported progress on infrastructure and recycling programs at the Nov. 25 Climate Action Advisory Committee meeting.

Parks staff said the Bur Oak Bridge at 106th Street is open after a ribbon cutting and now links Heritage Park to Hazel Landing Park, creating expanded pedestrian connections. The north extension of the White River Greenway is advancing in coordination with Conner Prairie; staff said they hope to open the trail by year‑end and continue future phases to connect to 146th Street.

Carmel Utilities summarized recent and upcoming recycling events. The Nov. 8 Crime Stoppers "Shred It" event at Creekside Middle School saw over 500 cars; staff reported roughly 12,000 pounds of electronics recycled, 79 TVs and monitors collected, and approximately 10 tons of paper diverted, and noted a bulk-item drop-off component for trash customers. "We had over 500 cars attend that event... there was over 12,000 pounds of electronics recycled," a utilities presenter said.

Staff announced holiday-light recycling at Carmel Clay Schools and White's Ace Hardware (collection now through Jan. 9) and a Trico Regional Waste Facility used-cooking-oil collection event the coming Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The utilities presenter suggested partnering with the Salvation Army or local charities to divert usable goods and coats at future events.

Parks staff also previewed a Christmas-tree recycling program scheduled for Jan. 9 at Central Park (Westermeyer Commons), with crews chipping live trees for reuse. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; items were presented as updates and operational announcements.