Centennial Park: Owasso’s outdoor refuge

By Daisy Leading Fox

Photo of Centennial Park taken by Daisy Leading Fox

In little-big suburban towns such as Owasso, it’s easy  to stay inside all day. With compact places like Target, Walmart and other local stores, what we really need is a place outdoors to walk around and let go of the days stresses —Centennial Park is just the place for this. 

This local park lays just off of 86th street with a burnt-orange colored sign at the entrance, perfectly placed to always be seen by people driving past. Centennial holds loads of different activities to get yourself moving, or contrastingly, to relax; with a variety of animals meandering about, beautiful nature and reflective fishing pond, Centennial is never left unnoticed. 

Centennial’s Animal Population 

Centennial isn’t just for humans, lots of animals can be seen enjoying their days in the trees, in the pond or taking a stroll on the many walking paths. 

Photo of Centennial Park pond taken by Daisy Leading Fox

Kieran Nugent, a sophomore at Owasso High School, touches on his experiences at Centennial, saying, “It’s fun because I get to go with my little brother and parents and just have some family time with them,” he continued, “We like to feed the ducks!” 

Ducks and birds aren’t the only animals present though, just next door separated by a chain-linked fence are a herd of alpacas waiting for their next visitors. 

Centennial’s Fishing 

Centennial is also a frequent destination for fishers in the Owasso area, including the Owasso High School Fishing Team.

Liam Babbitt, a member of the team, explains his relationship with the park, saying, “I go to the ponds about once a week, usually expecting to catch one or two bass.” Babbitt continues. saying,” I caught one of my biggest largemouth bass out of that pond over the summer, it has a great biodiversity and ecosystem that supports the fish.”  

Photo of Liam Babbit at Centennial fishing pond taken by Ricky Swinney

This park has everything and more for the joy of the citizens of the city. With this park in Owasso you’ll always have something to do. Centennial is beautiful in the summer but even more breathtaking as the autumn air swoops in; the orange and brown leaves waved swiftly off the trees by crisp air and falling to the ground gently, covering the walkways with color, perfect for fall photoshoots or cozy picnics. 

The Owasso Community is fortunate to have this place as a getaway or a family activity. The inclusivity of animals, people, and nature at Centennial is what draws the people to it weekend after weekend.