The Centralia Park System began in the 1940's with the purchase of 30 acres of land through the combined efforts of A.B. Chance Co., Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and the Centralia Mayor and Board of Aldermen. A Park Board consisting of nine citizens of Centralia was appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Alderman to govern and maintain the park. Through the years the Park Board has added to the original 30 acres and today maintains four parks and the Centralia Municipal Swimming Pool located in the City Recreation Park. In 1974 the Park Board created the position of Park Director to oversee and maintain daily operation of the parks and swimming pool.
Centralia Recreation Center opened June 2009
The Centralia Recreation Center located at Nathan A. Toalson Bicentennial Park on West Lakeview Street opened in June 2009.
Included in this building is a multipurpose gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, badminton, etc., fitness exercise area, 1/10 mile walking track, meeting/activity room with kitchenette, Children's Kidzone play area, Park and Recreation Department Office and a conference room.
Nathan A. Toalson Bicentennial Park located at 800 W. Lakeview Street
Jaycee Park located at 502 N. Allen Street
City Square Park located in the center of downtown
Below is general information about the Centralia Parks. For more information please call the Park Department at 573-682-5063 or email Centraliaparks@yahoo.com
Shelter Reservations
North, Middle, and South Shelters are located in City Recreation Park, one Shelter in Nathan A. Toalson Bicentennial Park, and one Shelter in Jaycee Park may be reserved by calling the Park Office at 573-682-5063 or Recreation Center at 573-682-2196. There are barbecue grills located at each shelter. There is no charge for this service.
Play Areas
There are play areas located close to the North, South, Jaycee, and Bicentennial Shelters and one located close to the South Ball Field in City Recreation Park.
City Park Ponds
Located in the City Recreation Park, our North and South Ponds are stocked with catfish, bass and Bluegill. Mo. Department of Conservation Regulations apply to fishing in our ponds. We do not allow swimming, boating or ice skating on the ponds.
Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, and Skating, Biking Courts
Lighted Basketball and Tennis Courts are located in City Recreation Park.
A lighted Sand Volley ball Court is located in City Recreation Park.
Lighted Basketball, Skating, Biking Courts are located at Nathan A. Toalson Bicentennial Park.
Lights are on timers set to come on at dusk and go off at 11:00 PM during the summer.
Ball Fields
Ball fields are located in City Recreation Park (2), Nathan A. Toalson Bicentennial Park (3), and Jaycee Park (1).
City Square
City Square is located in downtown Centralia and has a picnic area and Gazebo.
Alcoholic Beverages
By City Ordinance, alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all the city parks
Park Hours
By City Ordinance, all parks are closed from Midnight to 6:00 AM, with the exception of the Recreation Center located at Nathan A. Toalson Bicentennial Park which is available to use 24 hours a day.
Memorials
Memorial Benches or Memorial Trees may be purchased through the Park Department. To view a copy of our policies, click on the above links. You can then print and fill out the form and return it to the Park Department. If you have any questions, please call 573-682-5063.
The Centralia Park System began in the 1940's with the purchase of 30 acres of land through the combined efforts of A.B. Chance Co., Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and the Centralia Mayor and Board of Aldermen. A 
Shelter Reservations
Park Hours