Centennial has more than 100 parks, 100 miles of trails and 4,000 acres of open space. Many of these are run by park and recreation districts and not the City. Each district cares for its own parks, trails and recreation centers. Learn about the various park and recreation districts below.
South Suburban Parks and Recreation District (SSPRD) provides services for residents living in the central and west portions of Centennial. The Park District has more than 100 parks, 100+ miles of trails and 3,800 acres of open space including 21 parks, nine natural open spaces, and 11 trails/greenbelts to name a few located within Centennial. Highlights include the Goodson Recreation Center, a full-service facility, located on S. University Blvd. near Arapahoe Rd. The Family Sports Center on Peoria St. includes the Sports Dome and Family Sports Golf Course.
The Trails Park and Recreation District (TPRD) provides services to residents who live generally east of Parker Rd. and north of Arapahoe Rd. Trails Park and Recreation District has 24 parks and nine within Centennial, approximately 14 miles of trails and maintains more than 300 acres of open space. Most popular features include the Trails Recreation Center and neighboring skate park. TPRD is actively developing additional park locations, trails and refurbishing other parks.
The Arapahoe County Recreation District (ACRD) was created in 1988 by the Board of County Commissioners under Title 30 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. (Resolution # 1611-88). A Title 30 Recreation District is primarily a taxing district with limited powers that is ultimately controlled by the Board of County Commissioners; whereas, a Title 32 Park and Recreation District is a separate local government with comprehensive powers that is operated independently of the County. The ACRD created and manages the Dove Valley Regional Park at S. Potomac St. and E. Broncos Pkwy. and can only provide passive recreation amenities due to the restrictions of the Resolution.
The Smoky Hill Metropolitan District collects membership dues from district residents to maintain public areas, seven district parks, drainage areas and a pool and clubhouse in a neighborhood surrounding Smoky Hill Road between Buckley and Tower Roads.
Funds to support development and maintenance of these parks are raised through mill levies on district residents. The City contributes a large amount of its Arapahoe County Share-back and Conservation Trust Funds (CTF) to improve these parks. The projects are funded in accordance with City Council Policy No. 2020-CCP-04(PDF, 133KB).
Learn more about Centennial parks, trails and open spaces.