Welcome to Centennial Olympic Park!
Centennial Olympic Park is more than just a park – it’s a tribute to the momentous 1996 Summer Olympics that put Atlanta on the global map.
Today, it offers locals and visitors alike a breath of fresh air amid the urban landscape of Downtown Atlanta, acting as a hub for leisure, entertainment, and community gatherings.
With its iconic Fountain of Rings, fun-filled playgrounds, and scenic walking paths, Centennial Olympic Park promises a unique blend of history, entertainment, and tranquility.
All About Centennial Olympic Park
History and Evolution
Centennial Olympic Park has a rich history that’s closely intertwined with Atlanta’s identity.
Created as a gathering spot for visitors and residents to enjoy during the 1996 Summer Olympics, it was built by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) as part of the infrastructure improvements for the Games.
The park’s 21 acres of land was transformed from dilapidated structures and vacant lots into a beautiful urban park.
Over the years, Centennial Olympic Park has gone through various improvements and renovations, maintaining its status as a premier urban park.
In 2017, it underwent a major $27 million renovation that expanded the green space, enhanced pedestrian safety, and an audio walking tour.
The Park Today
Today, Centennial Olympic Park is a beautiful space that provides countless offerings to the Atlanta community.
It serves as the “town square” of downtown Atlanta, hosting a diverse array of public events such as music concerts, food festivals, and holiday celebrations.
The Park also provides everyday recreational opportunities, from tranquil walks to fun-filled afternoons at the playground or interactive Fountain of Rings.
It continues to be a place where Atlanta’s residents and visitors can gather, play, and celebrate, embodying the city’s vibrant spirit and strong sense of community.
Key Attractions
From its iconic Fountain of Rings to its beautiful gardens, Centennial Olympic Park offers visitors a wide range of attractions that capture the spirit of Atlanta.
Here are some must-see spots in the park:
- Fountain of Rings: The centerpiece of the park, this interactive fountain features 251 jets that shoot water up to 12 feet high. Synchronized to music, it creates a dazzling show four times day.
- Playground: Designed for children ages 3-12, there are two playground that offer a variety of play structures, slides, swings, and interactive games.
- Quilt Plaza: This peaceful spot features a beautiful quilt-inspired tiled mural that pays tribute to the 1996 Olympics. It’s a great place for reflection and relaxation.
- Walking Paths: With over one mile of paths winding through beautiful gardens and scenic views, Centennial Olympic Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a jog.
- Gardens: With over 400 varieties of plants, the gardens in Centennial Olympic Park offer lush greenery and colorful blooms year-round.
- Architecture: The park features a mix of modern and historic architecture, with buildings like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola neighboring it.
Ready to Go?
Here’s the Centennial Olympic Park Parking Lot:
103 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
From there, you can walk to the park itself and many other attractions nearby.
Nearby Things to Do
Looking for some other places to visit after you roam this beautiful park?
There are a LOT of things to do in Downtown Atlanta.
Less than a mile away, you can walk to the following destinations:
- The Mercedez Benz Stadium: Home of Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons
- Skyview Atlanta (Giant Ferris Wheel)
- The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
- Georgia Aquarium
- The World of Coke
- Underground Atlanta
A little farther away, you may also consider going to:
- Walk through some history at Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Park and the King Center
- See a show at the Fox Theatre
The Olympics Changed Everything.
Hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics was a game-changer for Atlanta. It totally transformed the city, putting it on the map and sparking major development.
They even built Centennial Olympic Park, which used to be a run-down area but is now a top-notch public space.
After the Olympics, Atlanta boomed with new businesses and tourists flocking in, thanks to cool spots like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola near the park.
The Olympics also brought the community together and made everyone proud, giving the city a lively vibe.
Today, Atlanta is a top city with lots of culture and a thriving economy, and a large part of that is from those ’96 Olympics.
What’s the moral of this story?
It only takes one event to change your life or the life of your business.
It’s been amazing to watch Atlanta change and grow, and we love watching businesses do the same.
That’s our goal as an advertising and marketing agency.
Whether our clients need traditional advertising like billboards or print ads, or digital improvement like SEO and social media strategies, we want them to thrive just like Atlanta.
Visit us here for more information.
