Centennial Park

Park Overview

Positioned on Springfield's southwest side, Centennial Park spans 190 acres on Springfield's southwest side. Since opening its gates in 1997, this Springfield Park District park is popular with families, nature enthusiasts, and dog owners.

The park's crown jewel might just be its 100-foot man-made sled hill - one of the tallest around - that transforms winter days into thrilling downhill adventures. Scattered throughout the grounds, you'll find multiple playgrounds where little ones can climb, slide, and let their imaginations run wild in safe, well-designed spaces.

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Sports enthusiasts won't be disappointed with the park's athletic offerings. With four baseball fields, tennis courts, and bocce ball courts, there's no shortage of ways to get your game on. The sprawling green spaces also make perfect impromptu fields for lacrosse or casual frisbee tossing.

Skaters, take note: the Centennial Skate Park ranks among Central Illinois' finest vert parks, featuring bowls, handrails, trick boxes, and ramps that cater to both bowl and street-style skating preferences. Regardless of whether you're working on basic ollies or complex tricks, there's space for skaters of all levels.

Natural Areas and Trails

Nature takes center stage on the west side of the park, where a 70-acre prairie restoration area flourishes alongside the Sangamon Valley Trail. This 38-mile bike and hiking path begins at Centennial and stretches northward through Sangamon County, offering a scenic route for cyclists, joggers, and afternoon strollers alike.

The park's hiking trails wind through diverse habitats where you might spot local wildlife, including the elusive Franklin's Ground Squirrel. For a more peaceful experience, head to the western trails - they're particularly well-maintained and excellent for quiet walks with or without four-legged companions.

Amenities for All

Dog owners, rejoice! The dedicated dog park features thoughtfully separated areas for small and large pups, complete with a splash pad hydrant for hot days. Your furry friends can test their skills on various agility equipment, making this section a particular hit among the canine crowd.

You'll also find picnic shelters for family gatherings and outdoor fitness equipment for those wanting to squeeze in a workout with a view. The open expanses make Centennial an ideal playground for flying drones or remote-controlled vehicles without worrying about obstacles.

Recreation for All Seasons

Centennial offers activities throughout all seasons. Summer brings picnicking families, playground adventures, and trail explorations, while winter transforms the landscape - that impressive sledding hill becomes the neighborhood hotspot when snow blankets the ground.

Getting to the park is a breeze, with multiple access points from Bunker Hill Road and Lenhart Road, plus plenty of recently repaved parking lots around the grounds.

Centennial Park beautifully blends sporting facilities, natural areas, and family-friendly spaces into one cohesive outdoor destination. The variety of facilities means most visitors can find something of interest. Note that some areas offer limited shade, so you might want to pack a hat and sunscreen on those bright summer days.