Centennial Center Park

Park Overview

Nestled in the heart of Centennial, Colorado, Centennial Center Park spans 11 acres right next to the Civic Center. Since opening its gates in 2012, this community space has been designed with everyone in mind - regardless of whether you're chasing toddlers, entertaining teens, or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind year-round.

Educational Features

This isn't just your average swing-and-slide park. As you wander through the main plaza, you'll discover yourself traveling through time along a Cherry Creek Basin history timeline, complete with fascinating tidbits and a detailed map of the Cherry Creek Watershed.

Feel like a mini Colorado adventure? The interactive Colorado Statehood Walk offers bite-sized facts about our beautiful state, while the Viewfinder Walk turns sightseeing into a fun trivia challenge. Throughout the paths, you'll stumble upon markers sharing stories of Colorado's rich history and Native American heritage - making that casual stroll a bit more enlightening.

Playground Areas

The playground zones are central to Centennial Center Park. Thoughtfully divided for different age groups (2-5 years and 5-12 years), there's something here for every little adventurer.

Kids can test their skills on climbing walls, explore a whimsical treehouse-style structure, or navigate through tunnels and slides. Older children particularly enjoy conquering the impressive rope climbing structure and tackling the obstacle course.

There's also a collection of unique swings and musical equipment for a more creative playtime. Young paleontologists will love the sandbox area with its dinosaur fossil dig site - a great spot for unearthing "ancient treasures" while getting delightfully sandy.

View of the large modern playground area

Photo: Jim Moore (CC BY 2.0)

Water Features

When summer heats up, the Nautilus-shaped splash pad becomes the park's most popular destination. Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, it's a fantastic place to cool off and let kids splash to their heart's content.

Parents can relax in the adjacent covered seating area, enjoying some shade while keeping an eye on water play antics. On those scorching Colorado days, this feature is absolutely worth packing a towel for.

For those seeking a more natural experience, the park's butte and meadow areas offer spaces to connect with nature and explore less manicured landscapes.

Event Spaces

The park's outdoor amphitheater with its covered stage hosts various events throughout the season. With room for up to 5,000 people, it hosts everything from summer concerts to family movie nights under the stars.

Planning something more personal? The park offers reservable spaces including a large shelter complete with a cozy gas fireplace and a more intimate coffee shelter meant for smaller gatherings.

Equipped with picnic tables and some with grills, these spots make ideal settings for birthday celebrations or family reunions.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Centennial Center Park takes accessibility seriously, with poured-in-place rubber surfacing in playground areas that welcomes wheelchairs and makes pushing strollers a breeze.

The park also embraces sustainability through thoughtful design choices, including the use of locally-sourced materials within the grounds.

Amenities and Facilities

You'll come across clean restrooms conveniently located near the main play areas - a small but crucial detail when visiting with children. Picnic tables are scattered generously within the park, offering both sunny spots and shaded retreats for your outdoor meals.

Winding walking trails make for pleasant strolls, with dog waste stations positioned strategically for pet owners. While your four-legged friends are welcome, do keep them leashed at all times.

The park provides ample parking in dedicated lots and along nearby streets, but you might want to arrive early during summer weekends or special events when spaces fill quickly.