The land that is now Edith Pasley Park has been an important part of the Elkhart community for generations. The site was originally home to Third Ward School, which later became South Side School and eventually Ullery School. During the era of segregation, South Side School became an important educational center for Elkhart’s African American community, serving generations of students before the school closed in the late 1970s.

After the school was demolished, the property was transformed into a neighborhood park in the late 1990s, continuing the site’s legacy as a place for community, connection, and gathering. In 2026, the park entered a new chapter with a major revitalization and a new name honoring Edith Pasley, a prominent civil rights leader, community activist, and longtime president of the Elkhart Branch of the NAACP. For more than 65 years, Pasley worked to advance racial equality and strengthen Elkhart’s African American community.

Today, Edith Pasley Park honors the site's history while providing a welcoming space for future generations to play, gather, and build community.

Splash Pad Rules

Please, NO food, drinks, running, glass containers, animals, or smoking within the splash pad.

City of Elkhart Park Rules

Alcoholic Beverages & Drugs (§ 96.33)
Not allowed in the parks unless you have written permission from the Park Board or its authorized agents.

Animals (§ 96.27)
Please do not harm wildlife or remove eggs or young.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet unless you’re in a designated off-leash area.

Camping (§ 96.24)
Camping is not permitted unless you have a valid permit.

Curfew (§ 96.35)
Parks are open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted.

Drones (§ 96.23)
Drone use is not allowed unless approved by the Park Board or its authorized agents.

Explosives & Weapons (§ 96.22)
Not permitted unless authorized by the Park Board or the Superintendent.

Fires (§ 96.28)
Fires are only allowed where permitted by ordinance.

Littering (§ 96.17)
Please dispose of trash properly. Littering is prohibited.

Peddling (§ 96.25)
Selling goods or services is not allowed without a permit.

Smoking & Vaping (§ 153.72)
Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the parks.