12450 Creek Crest Dr, Reno, NV 89511

Ellen's Park

Park Description:

Ellen's Park is a 4-acre Washoe County park with restrooms (open seasonally: late April-early October weather permitting). This park was formerly known as South Hills Park.

Park Amenities:

Playground, tennis courts, basketball court, horseshoe area, picnic shelter, and tables/benches.

Park Contact Information:

Washoe County Parks and Open Space (775) 828-6612

Park Highlights

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Park History

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Park Establishment

The community of South Hills was established in the mid-1960’s. Originally known as South Hills Park, a notice to contractors for bids to build the park went out in May 1992, and by 1994 the park was open to the public. The park was built as a part of the Offenhauser Addition to the South Hills Estates, which in 1995 was advertised as “a variety of custom homes situated on large lots.”

When the park was built in the 1990’s, the neighborhood was valued for its mature trees and views of both Mount Rose and the Truckee Meadows valley, plus it boosted having a quick drive to the city. Over the years, the neighborhood has had a reputation for being friendly and sticking together.

Image:
1994 Google Earth Image of Ellen's Park.

Park Expansion

Around 1977, several parks were being looked at by the State Park Advisory Board for improvements, and lower on the list of priorities was South Hills Park with requirements for $90,000 in federal funds to add amenities such as parking, playgrounds, courts for tennis and basketball, and picnic areas. In 1980, a budget increase in the Parks and Recreation Department provided funds to improve South Hill Parks, along with several other parks.

Ike and Bea Eichbaum were part of the first homeowner association’s Board of Directors. Ike recalled in 1997 that they “fought for parks so mothers would have a place to take their kids.” He was proud that the area benefitted from their work.

Ellen Steiner

South Hills Park was renamed to Ellen’s Park in 2005. This was done to honor Ellen Steiner who passed away at age 71 on December 7, 2005. Ellen was extensively involved in the local community, serving as either president or board member of the South Hills Improvement Association for more than 30 years. In that capacity, she worked on improvements to the park. She was also on the Southwest Citizens Advisory Board and contributed to the transit corridor plan for South Virginia Street.

As is evident by her community involvement, she was a proponent of keeping citizens informed, enabling individuals to make a difference in the community.

Image:
Ellen Steiner. Source: Reno Gazette-Journal, Dec 21, 2005.

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iNaturalist:

Out in our parks or open spaces? Try cataloguing the biodiversity around you with iNaturalist! All it takes is downloading the iNaturalist app onto your phone to get started.

Curious what's been seen in this park? Click the link below to see what species other have spotted!

Ellen's Park on iNaturalist

Contact:

Have a question about our parks or the Parks Project? Email us at parksproject@tmparksfoundation.org!

Want To Learn More?

References & Further Info:

Washoe County Parks and Open Space - Ellen's Park

Contributor(s):

Jill Richardson (history)

Haley McGuire

Alex Shahbazi

Last Updated:

August 26, 2022 at 6:23:15 PM

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