Centennial Park

Urban Oasis in Downtown

Centennial Park is a four-acre urban green space located in the heart of downtown Midland, Texas. The park occupies two central blocks previously occupied by the Midland County Courthouse and Centennial Plaza.

Construction of the park began with a groundbreaking in April 2019 and was completed in fall 2020. The park's design transforms the area into a vibrant outdoor destination, providing a natural respite for visitors in the city center.

Sustainable Design

Inspired by the gridded land patterns of West Texas, the landscape utilizes native and adapted plants appropriate for the harsh local climate. The park incorporates sustainable design elements, including modular suspended pavement systems to promote healthy tree growth.

Vegetated swales gather and filter water runoff, while innovative irrigation processes reuse stormwater and air conditioning condensation from the adjacent Bush Convention Center. These features help maintain the park's beauty while conserving resources.

Park Features

Centennial Park is centered around a Great Lawn facing a Stage Pavilion, which serves as a venue for live entertainment and events. Tree-lined promenades run along the park's perimeter, offering cafe-style seating areas.

An interactive water feature functions as a splash pad during the day and a fountain at night, providing a cooling environment for visitors during hot summer months. This multi-functional feature is especially popular during Texas summers.

Management & Funding

The park is a public-private partnership between the City of Midland and private donors, with 87% of the $18 million project funded through private donations. The remainder came from the City of Midland Hotel-Occupancy Tax and Midland County.

It is operated, maintained, and programmed by the Midland Downtown Park Conservancy (MDPC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and managed by the Midland Chamber of Commerce. The park also serves as a venue for special events and private rentals on a limited basis.