Centennial Park

Urban Oasis in Downtown

Tucked right in the heart of downtown Midland, Centennial Park is a four-acre green escape that gives the city center some much-needed breathing room. This space, which spans two central blocks, was previously the site of the Midland County Courthouse and Centennial Plaza.

The park's journey began with a groundbreaking in April 2019 and wrapped up in fall 2020. What emerged is an outdoor spot that brings a touch of nature amid the urban landscape.

Sustainable Design

The layout takes inspiration from West Texas's distinctive gridded land patterns, featuring plants that can actually handle the region's notoriously tough climate. The design isn't just aesthetic - it's sustainable. Special modular systems help the trees grow healthy and strong, even in urban conditions.

One of the clever touches here is how the park handles water. Vegetated swales collect and filter runoff, while the irrigation system reuses stormwater and even air conditioning condensation from the neighboring Bush Convention Center. It's practical design that maintains the park while conserving resources.

Park Features

At the heart of Centennial Park lies the Great Lawn facing a Stage Pavilion where you'll catch live performances and events during the year. Tree-lined walkways around the perimeter offer café-style seating that's excellent for people-watching or enjoying a coffee.

Perhaps the most refreshing feature is the interactive water feature that does double duty - splash pad by day, elegant fountain by night. It offers welcome relief during the intense Texas summer heat.

Kids have their own space too, with a playground area featuring climbing structures, though the wooden jungle gym is probably best for children with parents keeping an eye out. Across the park, you'll find plenty of spots to sit and relax, making it easy to spend an afternoon here.

Dog Park

Four-legged friends aren't forgotten at Centennial Park. There's a dedicated dog park area with benches where owners can rest while their pets socialize. This section uses gravel instead of grass and is separated from the main areas. Just a heads-up: during peak summer heat, that gravel can get pretty toasty on paws, so you might want to plan your visits for cooler parts of the day.

Keep in mind that while dogs are welcome in their designated area, they need to stay off the main grassy sections of the park.

Amenities and Facilities

The restroom facilities here are clean and well-maintained - always a plus for a public space. They're typically open from early morning until the park closes at 10 PM. You'll find plenty of benches and tables scattered throughout, perfect if you're bringing lunch or just want to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

The park is generally clean and well-maintained. Security and park staff are regularly present.

Events and Activities

Throughout the year, Centennial Park comes alive with community events. From concerts and movie nights to holiday celebrations and cultural festivals, there's often something happening here. The Fourth of July festivities and Christmas light displays are particularly worth marking on your calendar, as they tend to draw quite a crowd.

The park's downtown location combined with the Stage Pavilion and spacious Great Lawn make it a natural fit for both city events and private gatherings, including weddings.

Management & Funding

Centennial Park represents a successful public-private partnership, with an impressive 87% of the $18 million project funded through private donations. The remaining funds came from the City of Midland Hotel-Occupancy Tax and Midland County.

Day-to-day operations fall to the Midland Downtown Park Conservancy (MDPC), a nonprofit organization managed by the Midland Chamber of Commerce. If you're planning something special, the park does accommodate private rentals on a limited basis.