The park was named after John Ellenberger, a prominent early settler who once owned the land.
Pleasant Run Creek, which runs through the park, is a tributary of the White River.
The park is situated within the Irvington Historic District, one of the largest such districts in Indiana.
The swimming pool facility is one of the few city-operated outdoor pools in the Indianapolis parks system.
The park includes significant sections of the Pleasant Run Trail, part of a larger planned greenway network through the city.
Ellenberger Park is a 42-acre public space located in the historic Irvington neighborhood of Indianapolis. It is distinctive for its topography, which features significant rolling hills and dense wooded ravines along the winding Pleasant Run Creek. The park hosts a public outdoor swimming pool that operates seasonally. Recreational facilities include multiple tennis courts, basketball courts, and softball diamonds. A paved multi-use trail connects the park to the wider Indianapolis greenway system, specifically the Pleasant Run Trail. The park's landscape design reflects early 20th-century park planning principles, emphasizing natural creek-side terrain. It serves as a central hub for the local community, hosting various seasonal neighborhood festivals and youth sports programs. The area is heavily shaded by a mature canopy of native hardwood trees.
The stone bridge crossing Pleasant Run Creek provides a clear view of the park's lush, wooded ravine.
Check the park's official Indy Parks website for the specific opening dates of the seasonal swimming pool before visiting.
Use the trailheads along the creek for the best access to the wooded walking paths.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as the proximity to the creek can increase mosquito activity.
Do not attempt to swim in Pleasant Run Creek, as it is not a designated swimming area and water quality varies.
The outdoor swimming pool is open exclusively during the summer months; the park grounds are open daily year-round.
Leash laws apply to all pets, and visitors are expected to carry out all trash to keep the creek and trails clean.
