PARK REVITALIZATION UPDATES
Overview
Construction is now underway on several exciting enhancements to the north side of the Centennial Park. The new Croquet Cafe will introduce food, refreshments, and public restrooms. A new Event Pavilion along Lake Watauga will replace the former event shelter and serve as a venue for a variety of programs, including Big Band Dances. Also, upgraded pedestrian pathways, vehicular entrances, and parking will improve accessibility for all. These revitalization improvements are anticipated to be complete by the fall of 2026.
Road & Pathway Closures
The north side of Centennial Park will be closed for construction in August 2025 extending through to Fall 2026.
27th Avenue North will be closed from just north of the Parthenon driveway to just east of the previous entry on Park Plaza.
28th Avenue North, leading to the sand volleyball pit and the Parks Police Station, will be open throughout the duration of construction.
The Centennial Art Center and its parking lots will remain accessible for the entire duration of construction as well (accessible from 25th Avenue North).
The Sunken Garden and Lake Watauga Walking Trail will be accessible for most of the construction schedule. Brief closures of these amenities will be announced in Summer of 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you are as excited as we and Metro Parks are for the fantastic improvements coming to Centennial Park!
What is Being Added to the Park?
The Park’s historic 1963 Croquet Clubhouse structure will be transformed into a new dining destination called the Croquet Cafe.
A brand new, world-class space for entertainment and events is coming soon to the north bank of Lake Watauga.
New vehicular entrance and enhanced pathways
A new Park Plaza entrance on the north side will offer a sense of arrival as grand as West End and streamline traffic flow. New pathways will be created or enhanced for bike and pedestrian use with more connectivity to the 440 greenway and surface sidewalks.