Centennial Park (Davenport, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Centennial Park |
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Davenport, Iowa |
| Created | 2004 |
| Operated by | Davenport Parks and Recreation |
| Open | Year round |
Centennial Park is a super fun place to visit in downtown Davenport, Iowa, United States. It sits right along the mighty Mississippi River. This park is one of four cool parks you can find along the riverfront.
Centennial Park is really big, covering about 250 acres (that's like 190 football fields!). It got its name from the Rock Island Centennial Bridge, which is right next to it. The park offers lots of awesome things to do for everyone.
You can find a boat ramp, a playground, and even a special area for dogs to run free. There are also basketball courts, a sprayground (a water play area!), and a big skateboard park. The skate park is great for skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMX bikes. A path called the Riverfront Parkway goes right through the park, perfect for biking or walking. You'll also find The River's Edge, an indoor sports complex, nearby.
Contents
Discovering Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a popular spot for families and friends to hang out. It has many different areas for activities.
Fun Features for Everyone
- Playground: A great spot for younger kids to climb and play.
- Sprayground: A water play area that's perfect for cooling off on hot days.
- Skateboard Park: This large area is designed for skateboards, rollerblades, and BMX bikes. It's a fantastic place to practice tricks!
- Sports Courts: You can find basketball courts for a friendly game.
- Dog Park: A special off-leash area where your furry friends can run and play safely.
- Fishing Spots: Enjoy fishing along the Mississippi River.
- Gazebo: A nice, shady spot to relax or have a picnic.
- Boat Ramp: If you have a boat, you can launch it right into the river from here.
The Riverfront Parkway
The Riverfront Parkway is a long path that runs through Centennial Park. It's part of a bigger trail system along the river. This path is perfect for:
- Biking
- Walking
- Jogging
- Rollerblading
It's a great way to explore the park and see the beautiful Mississippi River.
A Look Back: Park History
Centennial Park wasn't always a park. It has an interesting past!
From Landfill to Park
The land where Centennial Park now sits used to be a city landfill until 1975. This means it was a place where the city buried its trash. Later, parts of the area were used for a rail yard and as a festival ground.
Building a Dream Park
The idea for Centennial Park was part of a huge project called "River Vision." This project aimed to improve the riverfront area in Davenport. The city council approved the plan in 2004.
Here's how the park grew:
- 2006: The awesome 33,000 square foot skateboard park was the first part of Centennial Park to open. It was designed by a company called SITE Design Group Inc.
- 2009: The basketball courts, a snack stand, and a stage for performances were added. Old buildings on the site were removed to make more space.
- 2010: The fun sprayground was built, giving kids a great place to splash around.
- Late 2010/Early 2011: Some of the old festival grounds were paved for parking. Other parts were planted with grass to create open green spaces.
Today, Centennial Park is a wonderful example of how a city can transform old land into a beautiful and useful space for everyone to enjoy!
