July 3rd marked the opening of the Monon Boulevard Phase 3 expansion, the new music-inspired play space.
The design celebrates Carmel's musical legacy and the future Songbook Museum. During the design process, our team uncovered a unique piece of local history: a historic Monon Railroad songbook created for the Indiana Society of Chicago's Monon Railroad Centennial Celebration. One song in particular, Up and Down the Monon, became the creative spark for the playground.
That inspiration comes to life throughout the space. Two signature play towers anchor the playground, including their shape like a metronome as a nod to the rhythm of music. A bridge connects the towers, while interactive musical elements like drums and sound wheels invite children to create their own songs. Piano keys woven into the paving continue the musical theme and encourage play beyond the equipment itself.
Designed for children ages 5–12 and brought to life with playground partner PlayPros, the play space is a space where history, music, and imagination come together through play.
We can't wait to see the communty experience it!
