Parks and recreation in Centralia, Washington explained

Parks and recreation in Centralia, Washington is administered by the Centralia Parks and Recreation Department (CPRD). The agency oversees a variety of sites, including natural areas, community recreation facilities, and city parks, classified as either neighborhood or community. The department also oversees several single-purpose sites in the city and partners with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on maintenance and improvements to several areas, including Hayes and Plummer lakes. Centralia hosts privately owned parks and there are some trails under volunteer oversight.

Centralia's first organized park and recreation plan began in 1963 and the agency has long had plans to create a trail corridor system that would link the parks in the community.[1], the Centralia Parks and Recreation Department had an operating budget of over $2.5 million, and employed 161 people.[1] [2]

Parks

Neighborhood parks

Centralia classifies most parks under 10acres, and within residential areas, as a neighborhood park.[1]

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Brick Wagner Park1929Plummer Lake - 317 Tilley Drive0.28acresA small park, expanded twice in 1934 and 1974, that provides boating and fishing access to Plummer Lake.[3] [4]
Cedar Street Park1969Centralia College - 310 S. Cedar Street0.83acresLocated in a neighborhood next to the college, it contains courts, playgrounds, and open grass areas. The grounds were replanted with shade trees in 2009.[5] The city traded the parcel to the college in 2017 in exchange for tennis courts. As part of the trade, the park must remain unchanged until 2027 and the college will have total control of the grounds in 2037.[6]
Central Park1970Downtown District - 215 North Tower Ave0.03acresOnce the site of a condemned office building, it became a city park when it was acquired and the site renovated.[7] The Centralia Downtown Association took over the responsibilities of the area in 2016.[8]
Gold Street Tennis Courts2017Downtown District - 270 S Gold Street0.69acresAn agreed exchanged with Centralia College for Cedar Park, the area was converted into a mixed-use site, especially for tennis and pickleball.[9]
Logan Park1994Edison District - 1411 Logan Street1.91acresA neighborhood park, originally known as Logan Community Park, is owned by the school district. It is leased to the city and contains ball courts, a playground, and picnic amenities.[10] [11]
Veteran's Memorial Community Park2024Downtown District - 505 N Pearl St0.91acresOnce the home of the 1950s Veterans Memorial Pearl Street Pool, shuttered in 2011 and filled in 2023, the new park is planned to encompass the existing Pearl Street Memorial Plaza, which includes the Splash Pad, as well as additions for sports and playground areas and other amenities.[12]

Community parks

Centralia classifies most parks between 10acres and 100acres as a community park, provided that the area contains a variety of leisure activities, such as sports, hiking, or picnicking. The classification also includes grounds at Centralia Middle School, Centralia High School, and Centralia College, but not elementary school recreation areas. School park areas are not under oversight of the CPRD, but in a cooperative partnership with the education systems to help expand or maintain the land, especially if the school grounds are adjacent to a city park.[1]

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Fort Borst Park1900West District - 2020 Borst Avenue121acresThe multi-use park contains sports fields, picnic areas, trails, access to water features, and historic buildings.[13] The grounds also hosts the Borst Park Dog Park.[14] [15]
George Washington Park1881Downtown District - 110 S. Pearl Street2acresThe park contains several memorials, with a sculpture bench of Centralia's founder, George Washington, plus an honorary plaque near the center of the grounds. The grounds are used for several events, contains a gazebo, and is home to the city library.[16] The park was created during the original platting of the city.[17]
Rotary-Riverside Park1983Shopping District - 313 Lowe Street14.05acresThe grounds were once owned and maintained by the local Rotary Club. The park contains ballfields, playground and picnic amenities, and provides access to the Skookumchuck River. It is also home to the Fuller's Twin City Skate Park and a nine-hole disc golf course.[18] [19] [20]

Natural areas and open space corridors

The classification covers areas in a more natural setting, with recreational activities geared toward hiking or exploration.[1]

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Agnew Mill Pond (China Creek) Park2013China Creek - 1001 N Gold Street28.22acres (Agnew) 22.48acres (China Creek)Undeveloped riparian wetlands, the Agnew parcel was donated anonymously to the city. The combined grounds are used as part of a flood control measure in association with the China Creek Flood Project.[21] [22]
Bridge Street ParkHayes Lake - 123 W. Bridge Street2.7acresAn undeveloped waterfront park, visitors can access Hayes Lake. The area contains various species of ducks and other birds, including bald eagles and cormorants.[23] [24]
Ed S. Mayes Landscape Bed1910Edison District - 1219 W. 1st Street0.03acresLocated at the original gateway to the city near the Skookumchuck River, the landscaped area is planted with rhododendrons.[25]
Gold Street Overpass1968South Centralia - Gold Street and Kresky Avenue Overpass1.23acresAn open space and natural area, with a dog park added in 2023, it surrounds an overpass from the southern entrance from SR 507 into downtown.[26]
Plummer Lake Boat Launch1995Plummer Lake - 1520 Lewis Street0.4acresSituated on state land overseen by the WDFW, the area provides another point of non-motorized boat access to the lake.[27]
Prairie Estates ParkCoffee Creek District - 525 W. Prairie Rose Street2.2acresUndeveloped wetland area.[28]
Seminary Hill Natural Area1960sEast Centralia - 902 E. Locust Street82.6acresOnce the location of a seminary, the park, consisting of two parcels, contains over of trails through mixed forest.[29] [30]
Washington Street ParkDowntown District - Washington Street at Park Street0.06acresAn open area believed to be the location of the original home of Centralia's founder, George Washington.[31]
Wilbur Parkins Park1972Skookumchuck River at Meridian Avenue6.13acresExpanded in 1990, it was once known as Crescent Park. Used mostly for fishing, the area underwent a 2005 wetland restoration that removed invasive species.[32]
Woodland Park3.31acresLocated in a flood zone, the parcel is required to remain as an open space.

Private parks

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Floral Park Sustainability Project2024Lewis County Transfer Station - 103 East Floral StA sustainability demonstration park project under the Washington State University-Lewis County Master Recycler Composter program, volunteers oversee the reduction and reuse of potential biologic and landfill waste. The site provides a tool library.[33] [34]
Hubbub Pocket Sculpture Park2011Downtown District - 501 N Tower AveA privately owned space in a parking lot, the park contains sculptures primarily created by local artists.[35] [36] The largest artwork, Shatkona, used to reside at the Monarch Contemporary Art Center and Sculpture Park.[37]

Recreation areas

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Bob Peters Field2023Centralia Community College campus4acresNamed after a long-serving athletic director at the school, the complex contains fields for baseball, soccer, and softball.[38]
Centralia Community Pool1970sWest District - 910 Johnson RdIndoor facilityUltimately replacing the Veteran's Memorial Pearl Street Pool, the facility is run under a joint contract between the city, the school district, and a local fitness company. First priority for usage is given to children and school-related activities.[39]
Pearl Street Memorial Plaza (Splash Pad)2017Downtown District - 539 N. Pearl Street0.91acresA spray park built as a remembrance to those who served in the military.[40]

Special facilities

Under the CPRD, several buildings or locations are considered a special facility. Classified as a single-purpose location, this includes such sites as the Armory Hills Golf Course, the Centralia Train Depot, the First Street trees, and the Sticklin Greenwood Cemetery and Washington Lawn Cemetery.[1] The classification also includes historical buildings and sites within Fort Borst Park.[2]

Trails

Several parks and natural areas contain hiking trails of various surfaces and difficulty.[1]

The largest trail that is not connected to a park is the Discovery Trail, a level 1.5miles path that traverses through restored riparian habitat that parallels the Chehalis River. Opened in 2006, it is located north of Centralia in Ford's Prairie.[41] Volunteer efforts that includes local student involvement, have replanted the area since the path's early beginnings, and the repaired ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife, including beaver, deer, and eagles.[42] The trail is overseen by the city and is part of a habitat conservation easement owned by the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust.[43]

Future plans

The parks system has long been planned to be linked by a trail corridor, allowing residents and visitors access to a variety of recreation opportunities.[2] [44] Expansion of existing parks, including upgrades, have taken precedence in the 21st century, including emphasis on retaining or reinvigorating historically important concerns with the park system.[1]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Centralia Parks and Recreation Master Plan . City of Centralia . April 19, 2024 . June 10, 2014 . March 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240326020641/https://www.cityofcentralia.com/DocumentCenter/View/699/Centralia-Parks-Plan-Adopted-6-10-2014 . live .
  2. Web site: Centralia's Park Plan . Centralia Parks and Recreation Department . April 19, 2024 . 10 . March 2024 . PDF combined with city board meeting agenda and minutes; scroll down to Park Plan . April 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240422210200/https://www.cityofcentralia.com/DocumentCenter/View/3136/Parks-Board-Agenda-for-January-8-2024 . live .
  3. News: Mason . Kimberly . 'One Day' at Brick Wagner Park Shows How We Can Help Our Community Thrive - and Have a Great Time, Too . February 26, 2024 . The Chronicle . August 30, 2011 . February 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240226195128/https://www.chronline.com/stories/one-day-at-brick-wagner-park-shows-how-we-can-help-our-community-thrive-and-have-a-great,162826 . live .
  4. Web site: Brick Wagner Park . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417171415/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Brick-Wagner-Park-5 . live .
  5. News: Stewart . Victoria . Wouldn't Life be Better With a Tree? . February 27, 2024 . The Chronicle . April 17, 2009 . February 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240227195333/https://www.chronline.com/stories/wouldnt-life-be-better-with-a-tree,190950 . live .
  6. News: The Chronicle staff . City of Centralia, College Exchange Properties After Council Approval . February 29, 2024 . The Chronicle . March 30, 2017 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229203851/https://www.chronline.com/stories/city-of-centralia-college-exchange-properties-after-council-approval,32823 . live .
  7. Web site: Central Park . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417220405/https://cityofcentralia.com/facilities/facility/details/Central-Park-6 . live .
  8. News: Brown . Alex . Downtown Donors Pledge to Give Centralia's Central Park More Care . February 23, 2024 . . May 22, 2018 . February 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240223181944/https://www.chronline.com/stories/downtown-donors-pledge-to-give-centralias-central-park-more-care,17190 . live .
  9. News: Perednia . Graham . Centralia Council Approves Plans for Park at Gold Street Property . April 19, 2024 . The Chronicle . June 15, 2017 . April 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240419154926/https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-council-approves-plans-for-park-at-gold-street-property,27689 . live .
  10. Web site: Logan Park . City of Centralia . February 29, 2024 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229203904/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Logan-Park-13 . live .
  11. News: Trying out the equipment . April 29, 2024 . The Chronicle . August 29, 1994 . 2 . Photo caption.
  12. News: Sexton . Owen . City of Centralia planning to convert closed pool into Veterans Memorial Community Park . April 17, 2024 . The Chronicle . January 26, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417185326/https://www.chronline.com/stories/city-of-centralia-planning-to-convert-closed-pool-into-veterans-memorial-community-park,333285 . live .
  13. Web site: Fort Borst Park . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417171417/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Fort-Borst-Park-39 . live .
  14. News: Warn . Daniel . Centralia Considers New Dog Park, Applies for Grant From State . April 19, 2024 . The Chronicle . February 9, 2022 . April 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240419154930/https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-considers-new-dog-park-applies-for-grant-from-state,284316 . live .
  15. Web site: Borst Park Dog Park . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417230457/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Borst-Park-Dog-Park-49 . live .
  16. News: Jenks . Jayson . As Confederate statues fall, this Washington town is creating a monument to its black founder . April 15, 2024 . The Seattle Times . October 19, 2017 . June 3, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230603142424/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/as-confederate-statues-fall-this-washington-town-is-creating-a-monument-to-its-black-founder/ . live .
  17. Web site: George Washington Park . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417171419/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/George-Washington-Park-11 . live .
  18. News: The Chronicle staff . Riverside Park Playground Now Covered Thanks to Rotary Club . April 19, 2024 . The Chronicle . May 8, 2023 . July 19, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230719192820/https://www.chronline.com/stories/riverside-park-playground-now-covered-thanks-to-rotary-club,318913 . live .
  19. News: Sexton . Owen . Kraken Board Shop Expands, New Disc Golf Course Opens at Rotary Riverside Park in Centralia . April 19, 2024 . The Chronicle . June 30, 2023 . April 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240419154927/https://www.chronline.com/stories/kraken-board-shop-expands-new-disc-golf-course-opens-at-rotary-riverside-park-in-centralia,321601 . live .
  20. Web site: Fuller's Twin City Skate Park . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417171415/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Fullers-Twin-City-Skate-Park-51 . live .
  21. News: Spurr . Kyle . Centralia Plans for China Creek Flood Protection Project . April 19, 2024 . The Chronicle . December 5, 2013 . April 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240419154931/https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-plans-for-china-creek-flood-protection-project,90383 . live .
  22. Web site: Agnew Mill Pond (China Creek) Park . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417171420/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Agnew-Mill-Pond-China-Creek-Park-1 . live .
  23. News: Mason . Kimberly . The Bird Word: Stop for a Dilly Bar and a Bit O'Birding . February 27, 2024 . The Chronicle . February 22, 2011 . February 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240227194724/https://www.chronline.com/stories/the-bird-word-stop-for-a-dilly-bar-and-a-bit-obirding,167801 . live .
  24. Web site: Bridge Street Park . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240422210159/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bridge-Street-Park-7 . live .
  25. Web site: Ed S. Mayes Landscape Bed . City of Centralia . February 29, 2024 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229203858/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Ed-S-Mayes-Landscape-Bed-9 . live .
  26. Web site: Gold Street Overpass . City of Centralia . February 29, 2024 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229203856/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Gold-Street-Overpass-12 . live .
  27. Web site: Plummer Lake Boat Launch . City of Centralia . April 17, 2024 . April 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417171416/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Plummer-Lake-Boat-Launch-15 . live .
  28. Web site: Prairie Estates Park . City of Centralia . February 29, 2024 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229203857/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Prairie-Estates-Park-16 . live .
  29. News: The Seattle Times staff . Seminary Hill Natural Area . February 29, 2024 . The Seattle Times . September 28, 2006 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229195115/https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/seminary-hill-natural-area/ . live .
  30. News: Holten . Kate . Tranquil trail a short drive from downtown Centralia . February 29, 2024 . . July 18, 2019 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229195117/https://tdn.com/lifestyles/tranquil-trails-a-short-drive-from-downtown-centralia/article_206f5559-90f7-5e0f-b67f-c0cf0ace056a.html . live .
  31. Web site: Washington Street Park . City of Centralia . February 29, 2024 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229203903/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Washington-Street-Park-20 . live .
  32. News: Stanton . Carrina . Park to get enhancement from developer . February 27, 2024 . The Chronicle . May 26, 2005 . February 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240227200136/https://www.chronline.com/stories/park-to-get-enhancement-from-developer,230727 . live .
  33. Web site: Floral Park Sustainability Project . . July 25, 2024.
  34. News: The Chronicle staff . New tool library set to open in Centralia next month . July 25, 2024 . The Chronicle . June 14, 2024.
  35. News: Hughes . Lee . Sculpture in Centralia - Business Owner Hopes Pocket Park Will Fuel Local Trend of Art in the City . February 29, 2024 . The Chronicle . September 21, 2011 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229203851/https://www.chronline.com/stories/sculpture-in-centralia-business-owner-hopes-pocket-park-will-fuel-local-trend-of-art-in-the,158281 . live .
  36. News: The Chronicle staff . Win-Win: Improving The Hub City's Downtown Core While Protecting Streams . April 15, 2024 . The Chronicle . October 1, 2011 . April 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240422210139/https://www.chronline.com/stories/win-win-improving-the-hub-citys-downtown-core-while-protecting-streams,156812? . live .
  37. News: Hughes . Lee . Local Art Finds Its Way Home . April 15, 2024 . The Chronicle . October 1, 2011 . April 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240422205444/https://www.chronline.com/stories/local-art-finds-its-way-home,156830? . live .
  38. News: Nance . Jesse . Centralia College Honors Campus Stalwart With Bob Peters Field . February 23, 2024 . The Chronicle . May 23, 2023 . December 9, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231209082530/https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-college-honors-campus-stalwart-with-bob-peters-field,319743 . live .
  39. News: Zylstra . Matthew . Centralia Community Pool Supporters Meet to Discuss How to Advocate Amid Possible Cuts After School Levy Failure . February 23, 2024 . The Chronicle . May 10, 2023 . August 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230802221157/https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-community-pool-supporters-meet-to-discuss-how-to-advocate-amid-possible-cuts-after-school,319056 . live .
  40. Web site: Pearl Street Memorial Plaza (Splash Pad) . City of Centralia . February 29, 2024 . February 29, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240229203856/https://cityofcentralia.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Pearl-Street-Memorial-Plaza-Splash-Pad-14 . live .
  41. News: Rubin . Will . Residents Fed Up With Trouble at Discovery Trail . April 19, 2024 . The Chronicle . October 30, 2018 . April 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240419182210/https://www.chronline.com/stories/residents-fed-up-with-trouble-at-discovery-trail,13280 . live .
  42. News: KIRO 7's Cox Conserves Heroes 2017 . May 2, 2024 . . October 3, 2017.
  43. News: Trent . Eric . Invasive Plant Removal Planned at Discovery Trail Saturday . April 19, 2024 . The Chronicle . September 9, 2020 . April 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240419182210/https://www.chronline.com/stories/invasive-plant-removal-planned-at-discovery-trail-saturday,1455 . live .
  44. Web site: Paving/Reconstruction, Sidewalks/Parking Lot, Site Development Construction Project Lead, Centralia . ConstructionJournal . April 19, 2024 . June 6, 2023 . April 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240422205402/https://www.constructionjournal.com/projects/details/73bb7b49ee2f417f9723a1d04d1d954e.html . live .

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