Centennial Park Redesign
June 3, 2026
Reimagining Golden’s Waterfront
Help Shape the Future of Centennial Park
Community engagement survey live now! Open from June 4-24, 2026.
The Kicking Horse River is the heartbeat of Golden. From its dramatic rush through the canyon to its meeting with the Columbia River, it shapes our landscape, our culture, and our daily lives.
Here at the Canyon to Confluence Initiative (C2CI), our long-term vision has always been about finding meaningful ways for our community to connect with, protect, and celebrate this incredible river corridor.
In the current phase of the broader Canyon to Confluence Initiative, we’re considering two distinct conceptual designs to transform an underutilized downtown space —Centennial Park— into a vibrant park and pathway system. We’re doing this in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Golden. Our shared goal? To enhance river access, expand recreational opportunities, and strengthen local ecological health.
The Spotlight: Centennial Park + The River Pathway
If you’ve walked between the pedestrian bridge and 7th Street North lately, you know the spot we’re talking about. Currently, this open space holds a rudimentary play area and an open grassy area.
As downtown Golden continues to grow and densify, this pocket of land is slated to become the future Centennial Park—a much-needed greenspace for families, locals, and visitors alike. But exactly what that park looks and feels like is up to you.
Two Distinct Concepts to Consider
Larch Landscape Architecture has laid out two different potential designs, each offering a unique way to experience the riverfront.
Concept A: Nature + River Integration
The big idea: Reshape the landscape to bring the river experience directly into the park.
If you love the idea of getting your feet wet and experiencing a more naturalized waterfront, Concept A might speak to you. This design focuses on breaking down the barrier between the park and the water.
- Bringing the River In: This plan involves physically reshaping the Kicking Horse riverbank to pull the water’s edge closer to the park, drastically improving natural access to the river.
- A Walk on the Beach: Imagine strolling down an accessible pathway to a lower beach area, complete with seating to watch the water flow by.
- More Greenspace, Less Clutter: To maximize the park's footprint, informal parking would be removed, and the existing propane tanks would be moved entirely off-site. The river/dyke trail would also be re-aligned to the north side of the park.
- Natural Play and Clean Views: Kids can explore a small natural playground built with organic wood features. Plus, we are exploring directional drilling to move the overhead power lines completely underground.
Concept B: Recreation + Amenities
The big idea: Formalize the space, add structural amenities, and elevate the viewing experience.
If you view the riverfront as a hub for gathering, socializing, and active recreation, Concept B offers a structured, amenity-rich approach.
- "The Look-off": Instead of changing the riverbank, this concept introduces an elevated, accessible viewing platform complete with guardrails and benches—offering stunning, panoramic views over the Kicking Horse River.
- Gathering Spaces: Picture hosting a weekend gathering under a beautiful, open-air timber frame picnic shelter, or hanging out by a newly planted Pollinator Garden.
- Active Recreation: This design adds an outdoor bouldering area designed for both kids and adults to practice their climbing skills.
- Paved and Formalized: The river/dyke pathway would stay in its current location but get a major upgrade—widened and paved with smooth asphalt. It also formalizes vehicle access with designated parking stalls, while the propane tanks are shifted to the fence-line and hidden behind an artistic security screen. (Overhead power lines would remain in place).
Side-by-Side: The Two Visions
| Feature | Concept A | Concept B |
|---|---|---|
| River Access | Reshaped bank + lower beach pathway | "The Look-off" elevated viewing platform |
| The Pathway | Re-aligned to the north side | Remains in place, widened and paved |
| Play + Features | Natural wood playground | Outdoor bouldering area + Pollinator Garden |
| Gathering Space | Open greenspace + beach seating | Timberframe picnic shelter |
| Parking + Utilities | Tanks removed off-site; no informal parking | 20 formalized stalls; tanks hidden by artistic screen |
| Power Lines | Explores moving them underground | To remain as they are |
Come Participate! We Need Your Input
Your voice matters. A park shouldn't just be built for a community; it should be built by a community. Your feedback will directly shape the final design of this future downtown anchor.
Here's how you can get involved today:
- See it in person: An interactive kiosk with both designs will be up at Spirit Square from June 10-24. Stop by on your next walk to review the conceptual designs up close and place your votes for specific design elements.
- Have your say: Ready to vote for your favourite elements? Click the link below to fill out our quick online survey and share your thoughts!
Take the Centennial Park Online Survey – live from June 4-24, 2026
What are you most excited to see in the future Centennial Park? Let us know your thoughts in the survey, and help us spread the word by sharing this post with your Golden neighbours!
A big shout out to all the stakeholders who are engaging in projects relating to the Kicking Horse. We’re particularly pleased to be working together with Rotary Club on this phase of C2Ci, and we’re grateful to Columbia Basin Trust, Golden and District Community Foundation and RMI for funding support.
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