Splash Pad
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
A splash pad is a sacred place. Splash pads, also sometimes known as spray grounds, are wonderful places for children to play in the summer sun. Water play for kids is both a calming and invigorating activity. Similar to adults enjoying both a relaxing soak or vigorous swim, water play can be quieting for children as they watch water slowly roll over their body or exciting as they expend energy splashing, jumping, and running through spraying fountains. A splash pad provides a place for both children and parents to enjoy the gift of summer play.
A splash pad provides a place for small children to enjoy water without the safety concerns of a swimming pool. It can introduce children to the curious qualities of water before they learn to swim. Parents are able to watch their children at splash pads interact with others in water games or enjoy independent water play. When summer heat increases, splash pads provide an enjoyable place for children, and their caregivers, to cool off outdoors. Because they are often located at public parks, they are free, and offer affordable summer fun for all families.
Centennial Center Park opened as the first city owned park in Centennial in 2012. It is an 11-acre park including a picnic grove, shelters, gazebos, and splash pad. The splash pad is the highlight of the park in the summer season with a mini river, sprayers, and a giant dump bucket. It was awarded 10 Best Splash Pads in USA Today in 2023. The park isn’t just a wonderful place to play, but also a place to learn about water in Colorado. There is historical timeline of the Cherry Creek Basin and map of the Cherry Creek Watershed.
The mini river flowing through the splash pad is where young children learn about the wonder of water. They learn as they attempt to stop water with dams and test objects that float. The giant dump bucket unites children in anticipation and exclamation as water fills to douse them collectively. The park is well designed with both shade and seating, providing plenty of places for parents to connect and children to rest. The splash pad at Centennial Center Park is a great playdate to begin the day or a wonderful way to end the day with neighbors and friends. It is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10am – 8pm.
Water play is a wonderful way to spend a summer day. A splash pad is a place for children to expend energy, parents to encourage adventure and connection, and together celebrate the coolness of water during the warmth of summer. A splash pad is a sacred place.
Centennial Center Park
13050 E. PeakviewAve, Centennial, CO 80112
Water Play Hours
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thanks to Alyssa Alexander and Makayla Owen for their contribution to this place.
