I live not far from Indy's Ellenberger Park, an Irvington landmark designed by George Edward Kessler and opened in 1909. This makes it one of Indy's oldest public parks. The pool opened in 1930 and in 1962 an ice rink was installed. The park encompasses 42 acres and includes two playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, football/softball/baseball areas, and has played host to the popular Irvington Farmer's Market. It's also a popular spot for Indy Parks concerts. Those into geocaching should note the park actually is host to multiple individual geocaches. The park is actually surprisingly undeveloped. It has rolling hills, a popular spot for winter sledding, and a good amount of the park doesn't even have sidewalks. It's remained quite natural over the years with lots of mature trees. As a wheelchair user, of course, this can be somewhat frustrating given that a certain amount of development is needed to be accessible. While I love Ellenberger Park as a place to visit, there are geocaches I can't reach and places where I risk tipping over if I venture to them. Trust me, I've done it more than once. The park is close to most Irvington area restaurants along with the adjacent Pleasant Run and nearby 10th Street. The Park is named after John Ellenberger, whose family owned much of the land in the area and who'd been generous with the community and had often let residents use the land. In fact, there was controversy when the park was "officially" established as it required a tax hike. People couldn't figure out why they were being asked to pay taxes for something they'd already been using for free. But, they did. The park temporarily changed names, but residents again protested and it returned to Ellenberger Park as it has been since the early 1920s. Ellenberger Park lacks sheltered picnic areas and public restrooms. There was talk of creating more parking, but it would have cost the sledding hill and that was too steep a price to pay (Sorry, couldn't resist). The ice rink was closed in 2009 due to needed repairs that were deemed too expensive. Even the ball fields don't have seating with them. Ellenberger Park is that rarity - a rather large park more focused on nature than activity. While I can't quite go a 5-star because of accessibility issues and some general upkeep concerns, it remains a place I visit often. read more

This park is huge covering about 42 acres. It dates back to the early 1900s. It is a nice park, especially for walker/joggers. There is adequate parking, especially by the pool. The park has a very nice paved trail to run. It trail is pretty flat and is rock/dirt. There is also more woodsy trails available to hike if you so desire. That trail runs along a small creek. Additionally, You will find benches and picnic tables scattered across along the trail across the park. I did not see any restroom facilities around the park. I did however, see a few porta-potties. The park's tennis courts (2 sets of 4) are in need of repair. The nets are decent, but the courts themselves are ragged. It has a unique set up, The fence is tall in the back and short on the sides. It makes it easy to watch, but I can imagine some balls sailing over the fence. The park is home to a huge green field that is well maintained. There is where you will find a football field, or at least two opposing goal posts and two baseball/kickball fields. Those fields are the pure basic and they do not offer many amenities or features. The field can be used for activities such as playing catch, frisbee, soccer, kite flying, and field hockey. It was surprised to see that the park had an aquatic complex, however, it is not operational and was empty. It does look like it has a lot of potential though. There is a small playground at the park that consist of a swing set with an older set of swings and an accessible jungle gym that has parallel bars and slides. The ground is lined with wood chips. The park is also home to a sand volleyball court and some of the most bold squirrels I have seen. They are not afraid of people at all. The volleyball court is decent, nothing special. The Irvington Farmers Market, day camp, community water gun fight and some concerts are hosted here. It is a nice park to play sports or workout. The playgrounds are a bit lacking and would probably not be as fun for kids. read more

This review is for the park's outdoor pool: in terms of public pools, it's my favorite yet that I've visited in Indy. I stopped by for a few hours on the 4th of July and it wasn't too crowded at all and I could easily find a lounge chair and dip in the pool with plenty of my own space. The lifeguards all had a great camaraderie with each other and I noticed a lot of the younger kids talking to them like friends. They were dancing and jamming to music and even taking song requests. I'm not sure if the vibe is like that every day, or if it was special for the 4th of July, but I'll definitely be back because of it. A problem at a lot of public pools is that the lifeguards are constantly blowing their whistle at misbehaving swimmers, but everyone seemed to be obeying all the rules at Ellenberger which allowed me to read my book in peace. Big, clean pool, not crowded, super friendly lifeguards, music, no constant whistle blowing gave me a chance to read, nap, and swim. The perfect 4th thanks to Indy Parks! read more

We visited this park based on the rave reviews about it on Yelp. When we got there, we were like, "Dafuq?" As in, "What the %*$# is everyone talking about?" I mean, Ellenberger Park is what it is, I guess: It's a big parcel of land with grass and trees on it. There's a playground there, too. We didn't see every inch of it, but apparently there are also basketball courts, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a baseball diamond. We've also heard tell that there's a farmers market that assembles there in the summer, as well as concerts at the park. OK -- got it. Maybe we visited on a bad day, but there was trash everywhere on the ground, the signs in the parking lot were hanging cattywampus, there were sketchy characters parked in the parking lot by the children's playground ... this park was not giving off good vibes. The playground was also sad and janky, although the kid I was with didn't mind too much because he's a kid and will play on and with anything. Although he did mention that the swings "didn't go very fast," and it's probably because they needed to be oiled. See what I mean? The playground was sad and uncared-for. It makes me blue just writing about a swing that doesn't swing well. (Please fix the dang swings!) read more

Ellenberger Park - The playground at Ellenberger Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

One of Indy's older parks (1909), the park has plenty of room for hiking, two playgrounds, a shelter, swimming pool, and indoor ice rink. The park is lined with numerous mature trees offering shade to visitors and shelter for lots of neighborhood animals. The only real negative I'm aware of is the limited availability of the single shelter. For a park having 42 acres, it seems a shame that there wasn't planning for another shelter to facilitate family gatherings. The park has had its problems (some are financial based) with the pool and ice rink staying open. Hopefully, those issues are behind them as the warmer weather approaches. Review #555 read more

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This park is nestled in a quiet neighborhood, has an outdoor pool and sprinkler area, outdoor sand volleyball pit, a walking path around the whole park (with benches and trash bins all along it, very clean) plenty of parking, many areas to picnic at tables, and on Thursdays has a food truck from 6-8:30 on the St.Clair side (in front of little parking area). Also, it is one of Indy's birdwatching sites, which I thought was neat. The outdoor pool is $4 and they take credit cards. The old rink is no longer iced, but is now used for summer camps and leagues. The pool is large with plenty of chairs to lounge in, is family friendly and does not permit alcohol on premises. The path actually feels pretty secluded in some areas even though it roams the outer edges of the park, and one lap around is a good jaunt. I have no idea how long..but, I could see running laps there and I can't run one right now (but I'm out of shape lol). There is a symphony of birds to keep you company and it really is just pleasant. It has so much field, an old football field I've seen used for ultimate Frisbee and soccer, and 7 tennis courts as well. On this little journey I was lucky enough to run into the Sweet Valley Ice Cream Truck and was able to taste some of the best homemade all natural Strawberry Ice Cream! The sweet lady, Georgia, said they take turns on Thursdays... And I would definitely not pass them by if you see their truck. They are based out of Bloomington and if I'm ever in their neck of the woods you can bet I'll be stopping in! It seems like a little park but it has a lot to offer. read more

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Parks are important. Not only are they the beacons of the American neighborhood, they also speak for the livelihood and community-feel of entire cities. Indy Parks supports some beautiful land that offers a lot to our great city, and Ellenberger Park is no exception. I recently found myself at Ellenberger Park for the first time and I was impressed. The place offers a lot. In addition to a lot of playground equipment (for kids of all ages), it has football goal posts, several tennis courts, a baseball field, a pool with some sort of an aquatic rock-climbing contraption (didn't try it but definitely curious), fire pits, grills, picnic areas, shelters, and a lot of free space to sit and chill in the grass. When I first visited, the late afternoon sun gave the entire place a golden glow, beautiful. This park carries the charm of a middle school playground (where tree carvings are par for the course) and the capacity of a sports complex. Gooooooooooaaaaaalllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Ellenberger Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Wonderful park! I hadn't been here in years. I used to always visit here with my aunt as a kid and there was so much to do from the trails, to the huge hill that we'd roll down or race our bikes down. It's right beside the pool too. I moved to the area recently and heard that the park takes old Christmas trees and donates them. My husband and I took ours and then explored a bit. It's a little rundown. The pool has some graffiti, but for the most part it's still updated. The trails were still good to walk on and the park was nice. Definitely give it a try if you're in the area. read more

This place is huge! I pass it everyday to take my daughter to school. Decided to try it out for a walk tonight. There's two playgrounds, open field, baseball diamond, lovely creek, trails, and a swimming pool. They've been working on the pool getting it ready to open soon. Smallish parking lot. I wouldn't recommend going in the creek, signs say sewage leaks into it (gross). Hope to take the bikes up there soon to ride the trails. read more

Ellenberger Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Ellenberger is a great east side park. It's a nice, pretty well kept, large space. They have bbq areas and shelters for rent. There is a community pool. It hosts the Irvington Farmers Market held the second Sunday of the month from June through October, Food Truck Thursday, as well as live music and movies as part of the Indy Parks Concerts & Movies series. As with many of Indy's parks, it could use some money thrown at it for some upgrades and maintenance, but it still is a nice neighborhood attraction. read more

Ellenberger Park is really a lovely place. I've lived in Indianapolis almost my whole life, but it was only when I moved to Irvington that going to a public park really caught my eye. Ellenberger has it all--picnic areas, playgrounds, a running trail (about 0.9 miles), well-maintained tennis courts, sledding hills, a pool, and a baseball diamond. It's home to some great events including a summer farmer's market (every 2nd Sunday from June-October), food trucks on Thursday evenings in the summer, Symphony in the Park, and Irvington Halloween festivities. The park is clean, safe, and frequently visited by families. It's right on the Pleasant Run/Bonna Ave. trail, making it easily accessible. When people say "I want to live near a park" or "We need more parks around here", I figure they must be talking about a place like Ellenberger, because it's one of the best! read more

This park has so much to offer the east side of Indianapolis! Special events when the weather is great and the pool is spectacular. New tennis courts were built in the fall of 2011 too. I love to walk my dog around the park and interact with other locals. Something for everyone at Ellenberger! read more

I grew up at Ellenberger Park. I've lived in Irvington my whole life and this park will always be my favorite. There are two amazing playgrounds just for kids and a walking trail around the park. I worked at the pool as a lifeguard for a few years and I can assure you that this pool has the most dedicated lifeguards and they always achieve the highest audit scores out of any other pool in the city. There's a reason why it's the busiest Indy Parks pool. Every third Sunday of the month there is a farmer's market which is not only good business for local farmers, but an overwhelmingly fun and enjoyable experience for patrons. It's one of those events where everyone from the community comes out to support local food systems. Wish the ice rink was still open! Hopefully soon the city will get the money to have the facility running again because it was one of the best parts. Whether you want to unwind after a long week and enjoy the fresh air, cool off in the pool, or buy local food, Eberg is the best place for it and this is completely unbiased! read more

Ellenberger is a vital anchor for the neighborhood and I'm happy to be able to frequent it often. Support your Indy Parks!

Do you like walking in a peaceful setting? Do you like tennis? Do you like swimming?How about farmers markets? Do you like seeing people enjoy the hell out of themselves?! If you answered yes to any of those questions, you'll love this park. The only issue I have with this park is that there are no basketball goals. I'm nothing near an athlete or sports enthusiast, but every once in awhile I just want to shoot some hoops! Adding some goals would make this park a perfect 5-star park. read more

Ellenberger is a great little park and just what this neighborhood needs. There is a playground for the kids, a swimming pool, football field, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, and a building that was an ice rink. There is plenty of shaded space with mature trees, and a creek that runs through the south side of the park. I used to come sledding here on the hill when I was a little girl, and now I use the hill for lunges and running up and down for exercise. There are a couple small trails (very small) that can be used for running or walking. Many people walk their dogs through the park. There's a shelter on the east side of the park. Our derby team used it once for a picnic. We use the old ice rink to practice in. I'm not sure if it's still going on, but at one point, there was futsal (sort of like indoor soccer) in the same space. You might find a symphony in the park or the farmers market when the weather is nice. Really, this park is a staple in keepting the east side community developed and healthy and helps to make Irvington what it is right now. read more

I made my first visit to Ellenberger Park Pool on 7/29/2016. I am handicapped and have wanted to go because I read that they had a lift to get me in and out of the water. I finally went and was I impressed! The workers were so nice and helpful. The lift is a miracle for me and the pool was big and clean and very well kept. The kids there were having a blast, but were not overly rowdy or obnoxious at all. I just had the best time and I definitly want to go back often. I am 63 yrs old and enjoyed being around the adults and children. Can't wait to return. read more

You know a park is special when you pass 2 others to get there. Peaceful quiet surrounding and the kids absolutely love this pool better than any other in Indy. Picnic areas are nice and always clean. The staff is always professional including the young ones. Great customer service. We love this park. read more

Been going to this park for a long long time, since I was born. I just love how much free space it has, and how quiet it is for most of the time. I also love the challenge it has with geocaches.Plus roller Derby is there. The only thing I wish it had was frisbee golf, but we have brookside for that read more

A great little space close to home. The occasional farmers markets are picturesque. If you stumble apon one, GET THE GUACAMOLE! You will not regret it. It is the Holy Grail of avocados. read more