Thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers, and the generous support of the Citizens For Good program, the Ellenberger Park Family Center, 5301 E. St. Clair, has a fresh new look and purpose going into 2023.
The update was unveiled on January 16, honoring Martin Luther King Jr. According to Parks Director Phyllis Boyd, it took only two days and many volunteers to make significant changes inside the family center.
Among the updates are new community spaces, updated restrooms, a large concession area, murals, and improvements to the exterior of the building.
Ellenberger Park Manager Felisha Dugan pointed out that the changes are very visible, even before walking in the door. “The old chillers outside with all that fencing are gone, plus painting all around the building.”
Inside, the walls are bright and graced with murals, a comfortable sitting area, and a management office in the lobby, rather than being tucked away in a corner. Large rooms at the end of the inline skating rink, which is used for inline hockey and other programs, have been revamped as well. “These can be used while the kids have their practices or whatever,” Dugan explained. “It will be a nice place to sit and read a book and drink coffee.”
Citizens For Good has selected a parks project for their Sharing a Dream event for the past 15 years, devoting over $3.5 million to Indy Parks overall. The Ellenberger Park project cost about $100,000.
The Ellenberger Family Center is used year-round for activities in the community. The outside pool serves the Irvington and Community Heights neighborhoods as well as swimmers from all over the east side. They also offer camps beginning in June, plus community events like the Easter Egg-Stravagana April 7 (pre-registration required, $5).
Ellenberger Park was established in 1909, when the city purchased land from farmer John Ellenberger to create the park. The city purchased more parcels in 1911 and 1915, carving out a green space on the rapidly growing east side of the city. Ellenberger Park encompasses about 42 acres of trees, paths, playgrounds, playing fields, and tennis courts. On the second Sunday of the month from June-October, the Irvington Garden Club sponsors their Farmers Market from noon-3 p.m. on the grounds of the park. Indy Parks and the Indianapolis Parks Foundation manage the park, and community groups Irvington Garden Club and the Friends of Ellenberger Park support and encourage its use. The Pleasant Run Trail runs from Ellenberger to Garfield Park.
Since last year, the south east corner of Ellenberger has been closed off as Citizens Energy Group conducts a vital part of the “Big Dig” project that will resolve the city’s combined sewer overflow issue. The Ellenberger Park phase will be completed in 2025, when Citizens will restore the space.
For more information about renting a community room for activities or meetings, call Felisha at 317-327-7176.
