About
Explore Woodward’s history and honor those who came before at Centennial Park in Woodward, Oklahoma. Created to commemorate Woodward’s 1987 centennial, the park serves as a memorial to Woodward veterans, local history, and the victims of the devastating April 9, 1947 Woodward Tornado.
The centerpiece of Centennial Park is its distinctive W-shaped memorial wall, with the “W” representing Woodward. Memorial plaques on both sides of the wall preserve important stories, people, and events from Woodward and Woodward County history. Visitors can learn about significant moments including the arrival of the railroad in 1887, the Land Run of 1893, Oklahoma statehood in 1907, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Great Depression, the Dust Storm of 1935 known as Black Sunday, the Woodward Oil Boom, and the 1947 tornado.
A dedicated memorial honors Woodward County soldiers who died while serving on active duty, while another section recognizes the victims of the 1947 tornado. The park also contains two time capsules, preserving artifacts and memories for future generations.
On the back of the memorial wall, a lighted stage and sound system provide a venue for community entertainment and events. With its combination of local history, military memorials, and community gathering space, Centennial Park offers visitors a meaningful way to learn about Woodward’s past and experience an important piece of Northwest Oklahoma history.
For those looking for historic places to visit in Woodward, Oklahoma, local landmarks, memorials, or meaningful things to do in Woodward, Centennial Park provides an opportunity to reflect on the people and events that helped shape the community.