Centennial Lakes Park is Edina’s Urban Oasis

by Ava Diaz | Aug 2020

The putting course at Centennial Lakes Park

Photos: City of Edina

Centennial Lakes Park is an award-winning piece of paradise.

What was once a gravel pit, is a flourishing community park that provides a year-round escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day living. As a family friendly recreational area, Centennial Lakes Park is a wonderful spot for visitors from near and far.

This 25-acre area is home to a 1.5-mile landscaped walking path that surrounds three adjoining lakes.

“It is our community’s hidden gem, it is almost like our little oasis to go escape to,” Edina Chamber of Commerce vice president Shelly Loberg says. “There is nothing like it in the Twin Cities.”

Partnering with the city of Edina in 1988, local developers conceptualized a work-play environment that would feature a combination of retail, entertainment, residential living, park land and office space (five buildings). Since construction began in 1995, Centennial Lakes has set the standard for economic hubs and communal gathering spaces through its fusion of workstyle and lifestyle.

Recognized for its class A execution, United Properties (one of the developers) received the National Developer of the Year Award (2004) in recognition of Centennial Lakes from the National Association of the Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), which is the commercial real estate industry’s leading trade association.

What sets this park apart from others is that it is so secluded from the surrounding environment. Nestled in-between retail and residential spaces, Loberg says that you almost have to search to find this urban oasis.

An Eye for Beauty

There are unique sculptures scattered throughout the park. The newest is School of Fish, a piece designed by former Concord Elementary student Alex Wyatt as a part of the 2019 student art competition sponsored by the City’s Arts & Culture Commission. Wyatt brought his vision to life with the help of local artists Alan and Nicole Milligan. School of Fish is located on the south end of the park near Tavern 23.

Paddle Boats at Centennial Lakes Park