Centennial Park | Midland

Centennial Park in Midland, Texas, is a modern, 4-acre public green space situated in the heart of downtown. It was officially opened in November 2020 after the demolition of the Midland County Courthouse. Inspired by other iconic parks such as Discovery Green in Houston and Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Centennial Park is designed to serve as a vibrant and engaging community hub. It includes a variety of features for recreation, relaxation, and community events.

Main Features of Centennial Park

Great Lawn
The Great Lawn is a 34,500-square-foot area of well-maintained hybrid bermudagrass (TifTuf™), ideal for various outdoor activities and events. This space is often used for festivals, picnics, or simply for visitors to relax. The lawn is regularly maintained and kept lush and green, providing a large open area for gatherings.

Stage Pavilion
The park features an open-air stage pavilion equipped with stage lighting and an audio system. This makes the area suitable for concerts, live performances, and private events such as weddings or corporate functions. The pavilion provides a modern and versatile space for both cultural and community activities.

Splash Pad
The interactive splash pad features 50 water jets, providing a fun and cooling experience for children and families, especially during the hot Texas summers. It operates as a fountain in the evening, adding a visually striking element to the park’s atmosphere. The splash pad is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Dog Park
The park includes a dedicated dog park that is split into two areas for large and small dogs. The park offers water stations for dogs and waste disposal facilities. It’s an excellent spot for pet owners to bring their dogs for a run or play.

Children’s Nature Play Area
Designed for kids between the ages of 5 and 12, this nature-inspired play area features natural materials like logs, stones, and handcrafted wooden structures. The area is shaded, ensuring a comfortable space for children to play even on warmer days.

The Mesa
Located at the highest point in the park, The Mesa provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. It features seating made from limestone and a Southern Live Oak tree, which serves as a symbol of strength and unity.

Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is an impressive triangular stone structure with atomic clocks on each side. This feature serves as both an artistic focal point and a functional element, allowing visitors to check the time while appreciating the design.

Game Tables
The park offers several concrete tables equipped with inlaid granite game boards for chess and checkers. These tables are available for public use and provide a space for visitors to engage in casual games while enjoying the park.

History Wall
A key artistic feature of Centennial Park is the History Wall, a sculptural installation created by artist Donna L. Dobberfuhl. This wall depicts the history of Midland through carved bricks that represent various periods, starting from the 1500s. The wall serves as a visual timeline of the city’s heritage.

Video Board
A 20-foot by 24-foot LED video board is used to display live events, advertisements, and other community announcements. This large screen adds an interactive and dynamic element to the park, particularly during events or outdoor movie nights.

Concession Kiosk
Located in a shaded area near the Splash Pad, the Concession Kiosk provides seating and refreshments for park visitors. It’s a great spot to take a break while watching the children play or enjoying the park’s beautiful landscaping.

Restrooms and Bicycle Racks
Conveniently located on the north side of the park, restrooms are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The park also features bicycle racks for visitors who choose to ride to the park.

Sustainability and Design

The park has incorporated several sustainable design elements, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. These include:

Modular suspended pavement systems to promote healthy tree growth.

Vegetated swales to filter water runoff from the park.

Reused stormwater and air conditioning condensation from the nearby Bush Convention Center for irrigation.

Hours and Access

Park Hours: The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Splash Pad Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Restroom Hours: Available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 200 West Wall Street, Midland, TX 79701

Parking: There are several nearby parking garages and surface lots, with options available for after-hours and weekend parking.

Public Transit: The EZ-Rider bus routes serve stops within one and a half blocks of the park.

Community Events

Centennial Park is not only a recreational space but also a venue for cultural and community events. It hosts a variety of festivals and gatherings, including the West Texas Heritage Festival and Christmas in the Park, which feature live music, food trucks, family activities, and more.

Conclusion

Centennial Park serves as a modern, multifunctional space that enhances the quality of life for the residents of Midland, Texas. It offers a diverse range of features that appeal to people of all ages, from interactive water features and play areas for children to quiet spaces for relaxation and events for the community. The park’s sustainable design and thoughtful landscaping make it an essential part of Midland’s downtown, promoting both environmental awareness and community engagement.