What to watch: Centennial Park is a vibrant 4-acre urban park located right in the heart of downtown Midland at 200 W. Wall St. Built on the site of the old Midland County Courthouse, the park has become a convenient downtown location where families can relax, play, cool off at the splash pad, and enjoy free events steps from shops, restaurants, and other downtown landmarks. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round.

The big picture: The park was designed with native plants suited to our climate, using recycled stormwater for irrigation and other sustainable water features to help protect a precious resource in Midland’s dry climate.

Wide promenades make it very accessible for strollers, bikes, and walkers. While there is no traditional playground equipment, the Children’s Nature Play Area encourages imagination and creative play. Many families bring balls, frisbees, or other sports gear to enjoy on the Great Lawn. Good lighting and emergency phones help the park remain a safe area in its active location.

Key features of the park include:

  • Great Lawn — A large open grassy area facing a stage pavilion for live entertainment, ideal for relaxation, picnics, outdoor fitness classes, festivals, and events. It includes plenty of space for lawn chairs and blankets, with room for families to relax and children to play.
  • Splash Pad — With 50 jets and a 10,000-gallon recirculating tank, this unique interactive water feature is the only one of its kind in the area. It operates as a fun splash pad during the day (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and turns into a lighted dancing fountain at night.
  • Children’s Nature Play Area — A playground focused on natural, creative play with a simple design unlike traditional equipment. Although small, the playground has elements that encourage imagination and exploration.
  • Dog Park — A dedicated off-leash area for dogs with separate sections for big and small dogs, giving pets a safe place to run and socialize.
  • Other amenities — North and South Promenades with café-style seating and chess tables, walking paths, bicycle racks, restrooms, concession kiosk, clock tower, video board, and a history wall.

Throughout the year, Centennial hosts a variety of free or low-cost events, including movie nights in the park, food trucks, live music, festivals, and many other enjoyable activities that bring the community downtown. It is often host to large city events like Midland Merry Lights and Chalk the Block.

Catch up quick: The idea for Centennial Park emerged after the demolition of the old Midland County Courthouse in 2017. Community leaders wanted to turn the four-acre site into a vibrant urban greenspace inspired by classic Texas parks like Discovery Green in Houston and Klyde Warren Park in Dallas.

The Midland Downtown Park Conservancy partnered with the City of Midland to create a year-round destination that celebrates Midland’s centennial spirit and honors the city’s history. The park officially opened to the public in the fall of 2020.

The History Wall, created in 1985 by San Antonio artist Donna L. Dobberfuhl for Midland’s Centennial Celebration, was carefully recreated and installed in the new park, preserving an important piece of local history. The large carved brick sculpture tells the story of the Midland region from early Spanish explorers and cowboys to the arrival of the railroad, cotton farming, and the oil boom that shaped West Texas.

What they’re saying: Visitors often praise the park’s beauty and how the landscaping and greenery make downtown feel more welcoming and less business-like. Many appreciate the convenient proximity to shopping, restaurants, and ice cream spots for the kids. The Great Lawn is especially popular, with families noting how much their children enjoy running and rolling down the hill.

“If you haven’t been to Centennial Park in downtown Midland lately, you’re missing out on one of the few places in town that feels like it accidentally teleported in from somewhere prettier,” one visitor said.

Some dog owners have mixed feelings about the dog park, noting that the gravel surface gets hot when the weather ramps up and isn’t as gentle on paws as grass or turf. With pets prohibited on the Great Lawn, the park is generally considered better suited for walking along its shaded promenades than for serving as a play area for pets.

What’s next: Stop by Centennial Park for a walk, splash pad fun, or the next free event. Check their website calendar or follow them on social media for upcoming music, movie nights, fitness classes, and festivals.