About Centennial Park
Centennial Park is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, located in the Arizona Strip, a remote region north of the Grand Canyon. With a population of 1,264 as of the 2020 census, up from 1,112 in 2010, Centennial Park is a family-oriented community in the Short Creek valley, just 2 miles south of Colorado City and adjacent to Hildale, Utah.
History and Origins
Centennial Park was established in the 1980s as a residential community by members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), seeking to maintain their religious and cultural practices. The community’s name reflects its founding during Arizona’s centennial celebrations, symbolizing a new chapter in the region’s history. While tied to the broader Short Creek community, which includes Colorado City and Hildale, Centennial Park has developed its own identity, focusing on family values and self-sufficiency. In recent years, the community has become more diverse as new residents move in, drawn by its affordability and peaceful setting.
Geography and Environment
Located at 36°57′10″N 112°58′53″W, Centennial Park spans 2.2 square miles at an elevation of 4,900 feet. Nestled in the Short Creek valley, it is framed by the striking Vermilion Cliffs to the north and the Kaibab Plateau to the south. The Arizona Strip’s isolation fosters a sense of tranquility, with desert landscapes and seasonal streams like Short Creek shaping the area. The semi-arid climate features hot summers and cold winters, with occasional monsoon rains supporting limited agriculture.
Demographics and Economy
Centennial Park is a modest-income community with a median household income of approximately $40,000 and a median real estate price of $200,000, more affordable than 80.3% of Arizona neighborhoods. Housing primarily consists of large single-family homes designed for extended families, with 85% of residents owning their properties. The economy relies on small businesses, agriculture (e.g., alfalfa, vegetables), and construction, with many residents commuting to Colorado City or St. George, Utah (38 miles northeast) for additional opportunities.
The population has a median age of 28.7, with a high proportion of children due to the community’s family-centric culture. Ancestry is predominantly English (45.6%) and Scandinavian (12.4%), reflecting historical Mormon settler roots. About 25.7% of households live below the poverty line, indicating economic challenges, though community cooperation helps mitigate hardships.
Did You Know? Centennial Park’s location near the Utah border makes it a unique cultural crossroads, with residents often participating in community events in both Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, fostering a shared Short Creek identity.
Education and Community Services
Centennial Park is served by the Colorado City Unified School District, with most students attending El Capitan Public School (K-12) in Colorado City, 2 miles away. Homeschooling is also prevalent, reflecting the community’s emphasis on tailored education. Emergency services are provided by the Colorado City Fire Department and Hildale Police Department, with the nearest hospital in St. George, Utah. The community shares resources with Colorado City, including a small library, local stores, and cooperative food programs.
Recreation and Attractions
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: 25 miles east, this monument offers hiking, photography, and access to iconic sites like The Wave (permit required) and Paria Canyon.
- Zion National Park: 40 miles northeast, reachable via St. George, Utah, this park features world-class hiking, rock climbing, and scenic vistas.
- Short Creek Community Events: Centennial Park residents join Colorado City and Hildale for festivals, such as pioneer days, featuring parades, music, and local crafts.
- Desert Trails: Nearby trails around Short Creek and the Vermilion Cliffs are ideal for hiking, off-roading, and horseback riding, offering stunning desert views.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Centennial Park offers a rural, family-focused lifestyle with a low population density of 574 people per square mile. The average commute time is 10–15 minutes, typically to Colorado City or Hildale. The community appeals to those seeking a close-knit, value-driven environment with affordable housing and access to nature. Its isolation fosters self-reliance, with residents accustomed to moderate risks of flash flooding and high UV exposure typical of the desert climate.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Centennial Park via Arizona State Route 389 from Fredonia (28 miles east) or Interstate 15 through St. George, Utah (38 miles northeast). Use the community as a base to explore the Vermilion Cliffs, Zion National Park, or the Grand Canyon’s North Rim (2 hours south). Visit nearby Colorado City for local markets or Hildale for dining, or enjoy the quiet beauty of Short Creek’s desert trails. Centennial Park offers a unique blend of community spirit and access to some of the Southwest’s most breathtaking landscapes.