Dennis the Menace Park: 66 Years of Free Family Fun

If you've lived in Midland, Texas, for any amount of time, then chances are you've heard of or even visited Dennis the Menace Park.  Nestled just outside downtown, this park has been a staple of the Midland community for generations, entertaining residents for years.

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History of the Park

The park originally opened on July 11, 1959.  It was one of the first adventure playgrounds in the United States and was themed after the popular comic strip Dennis the Menace.  According to Superior Playgrounds, it was anonymously funded with the promise that it would remain a park that would not charge the community for admission.

Rennovations

After 44 years, the original park was updated in 1993 to accommodate larger crowds, which gave it modernized equipment, plus a cosmetic makeover.  The park was renovated once again in 2019.  This cost over 2 million dollars and expanded the park to 3.9 acres, and four playground areas that included a tie-in with the original Dennis the Menace theme.

Incorporating A Splash Pad

One of the four playground areas in the 2 million dollar renovation in 2019 included a splash pad.  Which is a great (and free) way to keep cool during the brutal West Texas weather.  It consists of a pirate ship with multiple water slides and water cannons.

Fitness Court Addition

In March 2025, the city of Midland, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the National Fitness Campaign debuted a modern, free, outdoor fitness court.  Local officials campaigned the importance of physical fitness and proudly incorporated it into the 66-year-old facility.