Centennial Park is in the municipality of Central Saanich, one of the thirteen which form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Located on the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island, this park hosts a second growth forest of cedar, arbutus and fir trees. At almost twenty hectares there is likely a place for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at this park. It is a favorite and popular spot for dog walkers and sports enthusiasts; Centennial Park has accessible walking trails and sport fields. There are trails throughout this park and the main ones are wheelchair accessible. The western border of the park is formed by Graham Creek, an important waterway in for the peninsula. The split cedar fencing along the creek limits access to the flowing waters. Graham Creek is a tributary of Hagan Creek. The Hagan Creek watershed is nearly seven hundred hectares and flows through Mount Newton Valley in to Saanich Inlet at Hagan Bight. Graham Creek originates near the junction of West Saanich Road and Old West Saanich Road. Cutthroat trout can be found once again in the creek as forest and riparian areas as well as the streams riffles and pools are protected and rebuilt.
The lacrosse box, tennis courts, toilets and picnic shelters are also part of this park. For the young at heart there is a playground with swings. There is a bowling green and the Centennial Park Fieldhouse. Three concessions are open seasonally. The tennis courts and club house are on the east side of Wallace Drive near Hovey Road.
The park was formed in nineteen fifty eight to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the formation of British Columbia as a colony of the British Monarchy. A caretaker provides on-site security and care of the field house; the residence is just north of the lacrosse box. This is a good place to walk in your back yard.
Geographical location N48º 35’ 11” W 123º 25’ 30”
Centennial Park can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway One. Exit on to Mackenzie Avenue to reach Highway 17, the Pat Bay Highway. Continue along Highway 17 to reach Mount Newton Cross Road. Turn left onto Mount Newton Cross Road then left onto East Saanich Road. Follow East Saanich Road to Hovey Road. Turn right onto Hovey Road to reach Wallace Drive. The park is across Wallace Drive and there are several parking areas. City busses travel along Wallace Drive. Centennial Park can also be reached along trails from Thomlinson Road, Holm Road and Prosser Road.
Walks in Your Backyard 