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Centennial Weekly Pulse: September Begins with New Rules, Labor Day and Community Connections

From new e-bike rules and Labor Day schedules to bilingual library programs and one last splash of summer, here’s what Centennial residents should know for September 2–8, 2026.

AmiLynne Carroll

AmiLynne Carroll

Aug 27, 2026

34 Comments

Know What’s New

As September begins, Centennial residents who walk, bike, roll or drive through the community have some new rules to know. The City recently adopted regulations covering e-bikes, electric motorcycles and other electric-powered vehicles on public property. Among the changes, Class 3 e-bikes and electric motorcycles are no longer permitted on sidewalks or trails, and additional age, helmet and safety requirements apply to certain vehicles. The goal is clearer expectations for everyone sharing Centennial’s streets, sidewalks, trails and public spaces. Review Centennial’s new e-bike regulations

See What’s Next

Monday, September 7, is Labor Day, and Centennial City offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. Regular City activity resumes Tuesday, September 8, when the Centennial City Council is scheduled to hold its monthly work session. Residents interested in following decisions affecting the community can find meeting information, agendas and upcoming dates through the City calendar. View the Centennial City calendar

Labor Day also marks the traditional end of the season for the splash pad at Centennial Center Park. Weather permitting, the splash pad operates through Labor Day, giving families one more opportunity for some late-summer water play. The park also offers accessible walking paths, shaded gathering areas, gardens and open space for residents who would rather enjoy the park without getting soaked. Explore Centennial Center Park

Feel Connected

Smoky Hill Library begins September with several welcoming ways to gather. On Wednesday, September 2, families can choose from programs including Tummy Time, a Spanish-language Family Storytime at 4 p.m. and an evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m. The Spanish storytime welcomes children of varying ages, and Sensory Support Kits are available for children who may feel anxious or overwhelmed in a public environment. Explore Smoky Hill Library events

A quick planning note: Arapahoe Libraries, including Smoky Hill Library, will be closed Monday, September 7, for Labor Day.

One More Thing for Your Radar

Color is coming to Centennial next weekend. The City’s Chalk Art Festival returns Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Streets at SouthGlenn, featuring nearly 100 local artists, live music, merchants and community activities. Learn about Centennial’s upcoming community events

Whether this week means a holiday gathering, a regular workday, caregiving, school routines or simply enjoying a quieter moment close to home, there are plenty of ways to stay informed and connected. Sometimes the pulse of a community is found in the big events. Sometimes it is simply knowing what is changing on the street you travel every day.

34 Comments

Join the conversation

  • GS
    Greg S.· Sep 2, 4:46 PM

    Trails felt crowded all summer, so maybe these new rules will help with space. Maybe less near misses!

  • J
    jen_ellen· Sep 1, 2:43 AM

    Thanks for sharing all these updates. Love the mix of events and info, especially heading into fall.

  • PP
    Pat Prescott· Aug 30, 8:09 PM

    Wish there were more events for teens coming up. Seems most city activities are for families with younger kids.

    • HV
      Heidi V.· Aug 31, 1:46 AM

      Pat PrescottYeah, my teen says the same thing! Would be awesome to see more teen-oriented stuff, maybe like music nights or art workshops.

  • K
    Khalil1990· Aug 30, 12:41 AM

    Why do they always close the city stuff on the same day? I need to plan ahead for these holiday closures.

  • GM
    Grace M.· Aug 28, 10:20 PM

    I keep missing the Chalk Art Festival. Maybe this will be the year I actually make it. Looks so creative each time.

  • MR
    Matt Reilly· Aug 28, 10:00 PM

    Didn’t know about the Spanish storytime! Love that the library is doing more language options.

    • LF
      Larissa F.· Aug 30, 12:50 PM

      Matt ReillyMe too! It’s awesome for families like mine. I hope they add more languages over time, lots of bilingual kids in the area.

  • SC
    Sophia Chang· Aug 28, 5:10 PM

    Helmets for e-bikes is a solid move, but I hope there’s more bike education, too. Some folks ride wild, lol.

    • AC
      AmiLynne CarrollAuthor· Aug 30, 7:52 AM

      We agree, along with helmet requirements, ongoing bike education is important for keeping everyone safe out there, and the City is exploring ways to increase awareness and safety outreach.

  • CJ
    Connor J.· Aug 27, 9:19 AM

    Just wish there was more shade by the splash pad. Gets real warm in the afternoons!

    • ET
      Evan T.· Aug 29, 7:21 AM

      Connor J.I hear you. We always end up chasing the last shady spot with our picnic blanket. Hope they add more trees soon.

  • N
    niki.bakes· Aug 27, 9:12 AM

    Will definitely be at the splash pad on Labor Day! Last chance before school takes over. Grateful it’s still open for the weekend.

    • AC
      AmiLynne CarrollAuthor· Aug 27, 1:15 PM

      So glad you’ll be making the most of the splash pad’s final weekend, hope you and your family enjoy every splashy moment before school starts!

  • DW
    Darren Wills· Aug 27, 8:04 AM

    City council work sessions aren’t the most exciting thing, but sometimes you learn a lot about changes. Might try tuning in next week.

    • GN
      Greg N.· Aug 27, 2:02 PM

      Darren WillsYou’re right, it isn’t flashy, but I’ve learned a lot just listening in online while I cook dinner. Makes you feel more in the loop.

  • JL
    Janice Lebron· Aug 27, 7:59 AM

    Thank you for including accessible park info. The walking paths make it easy for my dad using his walker.

    • MH
      Mona H.· Aug 28, 12:07 AM

      Janice LebronThat’s great to hear about the paths! I’ve walked there with my niece, and it’s nice not having to worry about steps or tough slopes.

  • PV
    Peter V.· Aug 27, 7:37 AM

    Not sure these new e-bike rules will help. Some people don’t follow them anyway! But hope it makes difference.

  • ER
    Elaine Russell· Aug 27, 7:29 AM

    Good to get a roundup like this as everything starts back up in September. Feels like a busy month.

  • TG
    Tyler G.· Aug 27, 7:15 AM

    Streets at SouthGlenn gets a lot of good events, honestly. Chalk Art is always cool for photos.

    • JB
      Jules B.· Aug 29, 4:34 AM

      Tyler G.For sure! I always end up taking way too many photos at the Chalk Art Festival. It’s one of the best events every year.

  • M
    maribel23· Aug 27, 7:08 AM

    Never been to Family Storytime but the Spanish one sounds fun! Might try that with my daughter next week.

    • SP
      Sergio P.· Aug 29, 5:09 AM

      maribel23You’ll probably enjoy it! The Spanish storytimes are always so lively, and the librarians make everyone feel welcome.

  • SC
    Steve Chan· Aug 27, 5:45 AM

    Pedaling my Class 3 usually so will have to avoid sidewalks now. Makes sense, but I hope there’s enough bike lanes.

  • AG
    Alicia G.· Aug 27, 4:20 AM

    I like that Smoky Hill Library is doing sensory support kits. My nephew gets nervous in big crowds, so that’s nice to see.

    • AC
      AmiLynne CarrollAuthor· Aug 27, 10:02 PM

      We’re happy to highlight inclusive options like Sensory Support Kits at Smoky Hill Library, they really can make library visits more comfortable for kids like your nephew.

  • SD
    Sam Dorsey· Aug 27, 3:17 AM

    Appreciate the update about city offices and library closures. I always forget what’s closed on holidays.

  • JS
    Jeanette S.· Aug 27, 3:08 AM

    Wish the splash pad stayed open a bit longer in the year. It always closes just as it starts to cool down!

  • R
    rickys_06· Aug 27, 2:51 AM

    Glad to know about the new helmet requirements. I wish more folks wore them already. Safety first!

    • LS
      Linda S.· Aug 27, 6:44 AM

      rickys_06Totally agree! I always remind my kids to put theirs on, even for short rides. You never know what can happen.

  • MP
    Maya Patel· Aug 27, 1:14 AM

    Excited for the Chalk Art Festival! My kids always love it. Hope it’s not too hot next weekend.

  • CM
    Colin M.· Aug 27, 12:52 AM

    Thanks for the heads up on the e-bike rules. I see a lot of fast e-bikes zooming down the trails, so it’ll be interesting to see if things feel safer now.

    • AC
      AmiLynne CarrollAuthor· Aug 27, 1:52 PM

      Thank you for sharing your perspective, the City’s goal is definitely to make trails and sidewalks safer for everyone with these e-bike rules.

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