Centennial Olympic Park: Difference between revisions
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'''Centennial Olympic Park''' is a 21-[[acre]], 8.4-[[hectare]] public [[park]] located in [[downtown]] [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (state)|Georgia]]. The park was built by the [[Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games]] (ACOG) as part of the [[infrastructure]] improvements for the [[Centennial]] [[1996 Summer Olympics]]. ACOG's chief executive, [[Billy Payne]], conceived it as both a central gathering location for visitors and spectators during the [[Olympics]], and as a lasting legacy for the [[city]]. |
'''Centennial Olympic Park''' is a 21-[[acre]], 8.4-[[hectare]] public [[park]] located in [[downtown]] [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (state)|Georgia]]. The park was built by the [[Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games]] (ACOG) as part of the [[infrastructure]] improvements for the [[Centennial]] [[1996 Summer Olympics]]. ACOG's chief executive, [[Billy Payne]], conceived it as both a central gathering location for visitors and spectators during the [[Olympics]], and as a lasting legacy for the [[city]]. |
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The park is located adjacent to and managed by the [[Georgia World Congress Center]]. It is bounded by Marietta Street to the west, Baker Street to the north and Centennial Olympic Park Drive to the east and south. Andrew Young International Drive runs through the middle of the park, named for former Atlanta mayor and [[U.N.]] [[ambassador]] [[Andrew Young]]. The area was previously dilapidated buildings, sitting among many modern ones immediately around it. |
The park is located adjacent to and managed by the [[Georgia World Congress Center]]. It is bounded by Marietta Street to the west, Baker Street to the north and Centennial Olympic Park Drive to the east and south. Andrew Young International Drive runs through the middle of the park, named for former Atlanta mayor and [[U.N.]] [[Ambassador (diplomacy)|ambassador]] [[Andrew Young]]. The area was previously dilapidated buildings, sitting among many modern ones immediately around it. |
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A key feature of the park is the '''Fountain of Rings''' interactive [[fountain]] which features computer-controlled lights and jets of water synchronized with music played from speakers in light towers surrounding the fountain. The fountain area is surrounded by flags representing the host countries of each [[Summer Olympics]] preceding the [[1996]] games, and columns reminiscent of [[ancient Greece]]. There are several pieces of [[sculpture]] scattered through the park including a [[statue]] of [[Pierre de Coubertin]], father of the modern Olympic movement. A small [[amphitheatre]] is located at the southern end of the park. |
A key feature of the park is the '''Fountain of Rings''' interactive [[fountain]] which features computer-controlled lights and jets of water synchronized with music played from speakers in light towers surrounding the fountain. The fountain area is surrounded by flags representing the host countries of each [[Summer Olympics]] preceding the [[1996]] games, and columns reminiscent of [[ancient Greece]]. There are several pieces of [[sculpture]] scattered through the park including a [[statue]] of [[Pierre de Coubertin]], father of the modern Olympic movement. A small [[amphitheatre]] is located at the southern end of the park. |
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Revision as of 13:18, 6 August 2004
Centennial Olympic Park is a 21-acre, 8.4-hectare public park located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The park was built by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) as part of the infrastructure improvements for the Centennial 1996 Summer Olympics. ACOG's chief executive, Billy Payne, conceived it as both a central gathering location for visitors and spectators during the Olympics, and as a lasting legacy for the city.
The park is located adjacent to and managed by the Georgia World Congress Center. It is bounded by Marietta Street to the west, Baker Street to the north and Centennial Olympic Park Drive to the east and south. Andrew Young International Drive runs through the middle of the park, named for former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador Andrew Young. The area was previously dilapidated buildings, sitting among many modern ones immediately around it.
A key feature of the park is the Fountain of Rings interactive fountain which features computer-controlled lights and jets of water synchronized with music played from speakers in light towers surrounding the fountain. The fountain area is surrounded by flags representing the host countries of each Summer Olympics preceding the 1996 games, and columns reminiscent of ancient Greece. There are several pieces of sculpture scattered through the park including a statue of Pierre de Coubertin, father of the modern Olympic movement. A small amphitheatre is located at the southern end of the park.
During the Olympics, the park contained many commercial exhibits, hosted entertainment and presentations of medal winners, and was a hotbed for pin trading. The celebrations in the park were marred by the July 27th bombing which killed two people and injured over one hundred others. Security at the park and at all sporting venues was subsequently raised to include bag searches, and the now-omnipresent magnetometer.
Centennial Olympic Park now plays host to thousands of visitors a year and hosts several events including a summer popular music concert series (On the Bricks) as well as an annual Independence Day concert and fireworks display. Portions of the park are available for rental for private events.
The park was paid for in part by donations of thousands of individuals who bought bricks, engraved with the short message of their choice and laid as pavers throughout the park. Each brick was 35 dollars, holding 15 characters on each of two lines, and were laid in alternating light (tan) and dark (brick red) groups. Many ordered replica bricks to keep for themselves as souvenirs.
The new World of Coca-Cola museum and the Georgia Aquarium are being built near the park. The Atlanta Apparel Mart, the Omni Hotel, and The Tabernacle (formerly a House of Blues location during the games) surround the park on its other sides.
External links