Some of the land that became High Dive Park was bought by Charles Fieldhouse in 1939. It was 8 acres of an old gravel pit. Mr. Fieldhouse dammed the Christiana Creek in two places to create a large outdoor swimming pool.

His operation was an “amusement type” facility with a large wooden slide, a swimming/beach area, an observation tower, and a small zoo. The name High Dive originates from the diving platforms, which were located in what is now Pond #2 (the pond with the fountain). Mr. Fieldhouse shipped six railroad cars of Lake Michigan sand for the beach area. 

The tower was a 45-foot Dutch-style windmill. The windmill's workings were removed before December 1977, when the top was replaced.

The Parks and Recreation Department reached an agreement with Charles Fieldhouse to open the swimming area for public use in the summer of 1948. The pool operated seven days a week and was open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. From that date on, the Parks and Recreation Department ran many special events for the citizens of Elkhart at High Dive Park.

In the summer of 1958, the city purchased High Dive and added it to the Parks and Recreation system. Swimming remained the primary activity at High Dive Park throughout the 1950s, '60s, and early ‘70s. A Water Festival was held each August in the 1950s and ’60s, drawing crowds of more than 4,000. An Ice Festival was held during the winter months, highlighted by an ice sculpture contest.

In 1977, the Parks and Recreation Department received a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, which helped begin the renovation of the Park to its current condition. The initial work consisted of building four tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts, picnic areas, and fishing areas.

By 1982, the property had expanded to nearly 15 acres.

In 1984, additional renovation took place in High Dive Park through public and private cooperation. Three pedestrian bridges, metal sheeting forming a sea wall, dredging of Pond #1, and the addition of a concrete path system highlighted this phase of redevelopment.

Eventually, a free-floating fountain was installed in Pond #2, a gazebo was added in the park's southeast corner, and a complete irrigation system was installed throughout the park. A plaza area overlooking the fountain was also added. All this renovation was made possible by individual and corporate donations from the Elkhart area.