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 and now Centralia Community Golf Course.