Fountain pen 2005 park guide

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Centennial Olympic Park I

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A Vision Come to Life

Anchoring Downtown's Revival

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I 5 Visitor Center The Heart of the Park

Special Occasions I Events

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I Volunteers The Spirit of the Park

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I Points of Interest Park Map

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Music at Noon

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On the Bricks

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Wednesday WindDown

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Family Fun Days

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4!1! of July Celebration

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Holiday in Lights

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Praise & Accolades

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Guest Comments

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Meet the Staff

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" S illy Payne,

chief executive

of the Atlanta

Committee for the

Olympic Games ,

envisioned creating a

picturesque gathering

space for visitors and

residents during the

1996 Centennial

Olympic Games, and as

a result, the Park was

created . In March of

1998, the Park was re-dedicated as a gift to the citizens of Georgia

Our Fountain of Rings is designed to p\ag in. so make a splash!

with the Georgia World

Congress Center Authority overseeing operations.

Centennial Olympic Park is a lasting legacy- to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Today, the Park plays host to a diverse range of activities, averaging over 160 days per year. From the pachyderm picnic featuring eight Indian elephants to charity walks with over 9,000 participants, Centennial Olympic Park welcomes millions of visitors annually from around the world to the heart of downtown Atlanta. With its 21 acres of lush lawns, trees and gardens, Centennial Olympic Park, is not only the largest new city Park to be created in the United States in over 20 years, it's the heart of downtown entertainment and recreation.

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

~ r~ dilapidated
buildings and warehouses in the 1980s to a district primed for attractions , restaurants and high-end condominiums, the Park has become a catalyst for economic development in the heart of Atlanta.

Today, the Park anchors a reinvigorated neighborhood amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown . Many success stories
L------- surround the Park. 11111iiiiiiiiiiiii..- 1magine It! The Children 's Museum of Atlanta, located a short distance from the Park on Centennial Olympic Park Drive, celebrates its second anniversary in March. Additional developments include Embassy Suites Hotel, Philips Arena and the Omni Hotel Tower - all constructed since Centennial Olympic Park opened.

.____________.:J Residential developments include the Museum Tower, Centennial Park West, 123 Luckie Street and Centennial House. Hundreds of condominiums, bringing thousands of new residents, have made the Park their very own backyard.
Centennial Olgmpic Park. along with its neighbors. are working together to help revitalize downtown Atlanta.
What does the future hold? Developments and proposals include AmericasMart, the Peachtree Portal and the Jones Simpson Avenue Corridor Streetscape projects.
The Park's newest neighbor opens this fall. The 5-million

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CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL METRO ATLANTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADDITION
PHILIPS ARENA
123 LUCKIE STREET
CENTENNIAL PARK WEST MUSEUM TOWER CENTENNIAL HOUSE
IMAGINE IT! CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OMNI HOTEL
GEORGIA AQUARIUM
WORLD OF COKE BALZER THEATER

gallon Georgia Aquarium - featuring more than 55,000 animals from 500 different species - is expected to

AMERICASMART

encourage more tourism and downtown revitalization. The

World of Coca-Cola is slated to open in 2006 , making our neighborhood a major tourist destination.

With these projects underway and more to come, it's a great time to be a Park neighbor!

( 3 entennial Olympic Park's Visitor Center is an
information and refreshment hub located at the southern end of the Park near the Fountain of Rings. Guests can purchase Centennial Olympic Park merchandise and get an explanation of the layout and history of the Park and the part it played during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
The Visitor Center brings together all the information and services Park guests need.
Commemorative brick locator kiosks are also available within the Visitor Center. Prior to the '96 Olympic Games thousands of private donors purchased commemorative Olympic bricks, paving the way for the development of Centennial Olympic Park. In all, nearly 500,000 bricks were sold - each with a special message or name - and now make up the sidewalks within the Park. Through the sale of these commemorative bricks, $17.5 million was raised for construction of the Park.

Visit the FountainSide Cafe and Par . . tourist information and t k Vth1s1tor Center for lunch, . o use e brick locator.

After working up an appetite playing in the Park, visit the FountainSide Cafe. You will find fare to satisfy your craving from a menu including hot dogs, grilled sandwiches and gourmet salads. The FountainSide Cafe also offers soft-serve ice cream and Starbucks beverages. The Visitor Center and FountainSide Cafe are open daily.

C njoy your next gathering outside among the lush
21 acres of the Park. Whether your desire is to motivate, entertain or relax, Centennial Olympic Park can help make your event a memorable one. The Park is versatile enough for events large and small, boisterous and tranquil. Events such as corporate picnics, carnivals, ice-skating parties, birthdays, weddings and receptions have been hosted here, adapting to ~~ individual customer needs. On the Park's website , you will find an event planner's guide, complete with an explanation of the application process, catering information and an event portfolio for your review of various events previously held at the Park. Visit www.centennialpark.com and click on "Event Planners" for details.
to open recreation and regular programming, Centennial Olympic Park has hosted everything from an eight-ton ice sculpture to a picnic for circus elephants! The Park produces a variety of free, self-generated events and activities that cover the gamut of entertainment, style and fun. From the beginning, the Park was intended as a place for the community to gather and enjoy outdoor activities, and the programming strives to hold true to that vision .
Family-friendly programming is designed to entertain, educate and promote cultural understanding of all walks of life. To that end, the Park has hosted fundraisers, cultural festivals and
creatures large and small. There 's little the Park cannot accommodate when it comes to outdoor family fun using our lush
lawns , pavilions , amphitheater and playground. Variety is key in all of the Park's programming, and it 's also the reason visitors come back time and time again . Make Centennial Olympic Park your destination or fun!
.At your Park gathermg. we can make all of d your reams come true.

C entennial Olympic Park brings community-minded
volunteers together to keep the Park's Olympic spirit alive. Volunteers greet and assist visitors from around the world at the Visitor Center, lend a hand in keeping the Park's 21 acres looking its best and ensure guests enjoy everything the Park 1 has to offer. Volunteer opportunities and responsibilities include: working as an information desk attendant at the Visitor Center, assisting with landscaping and beautification projects, making arts and crafts at Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day, participating in events such as the 4th of July parade and selling concert paraphernalia during Wednesday WindDown . Volunteers are recognized for their contributions with seasonal socials, giving them a chance to meet and share their experiences. The Park offers volunteers felxible hours, available seven days a week, and the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects year-round.
Centennial Olgmpic Park is alwags looking for friendlg. reliable volunteers.
If you would like more information about joining the awardwinning volunteer program , please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Tinker, at 404.223.4412, or apply online at www.centennialpark.com .

Volunteer I Jennifer Ball

Volunteers provide Park information 1 dags a week.

C entennial Olympic Park brings community-minded
volunteers together to keep the Park's Olympic spirit alive. Volunteers greet and assist visitors from around the world at the Visitor Center, lend a hand in keeping the Park's 21 acres looking its best and ensure guests enjoy everything the Park has to offer. Volunteer opportunities and responsibilities include : working as an information desk attendant at the Visitor Center, assisting with landscaping and beautification projects, making arts and crafts at Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day, participating in events such as the 4th of July parade and selling concert paraphernalia during Wednesday WindDown. Volunteers are recognized for their contributions with seasonal socials, giving them a chance to meet and share their experiences. The Park offers volunteers felxible hours, available seven days a week, and the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects year-round.
Centennial Olgrnpic Park is alwags looking for friendly-. reliable volunteers.
If you would like more information about joining the awardwinning volunteer program , please contact the Volunteer Coord inator, Jennifer Tinker, at 404.223.4412, or apply online at www.centennialpark.com .

Volunteer I Jennifer Ball

Volunteers provide Park information '7 da-gs a week.

0 Visitor Center & Fountainside Cafe
Here you'll find the commemorative brick locators, restrooms and friendly volunteers to answer questions about the Park. Hot dogs, cookies and chips are always favorites with the kids. Cool off with a scoop of ice cream or lemonade in the summer, or a warm cup of cocoa in the winter. When the Park's really busy, ice cream and food stands can be found throughout the Park. Grab a bite to eat or drink, or pick up a souvenir.
8 Fountain of Rings
With 251 computer-controlled water jets, 400 fog lights and hundreds of miles of underground water pipes, this is one of the most sophisticated fountains in the world. Children of all ages play in the water as synchronized shows dance to sound effects and lights for a spectacular performance.
8 Centennial Plaza
To commemorate the modern Olympie's 100 year anniversary, Centennial Plaza is anchored by the official flag of the Olympic Games and 23 national flags that represent previous host cities of the Games (no games were held in 1916, 1940 & 1944).
The Plaza's 48 willow oak tree planters have engraved plaques that also honor the 23 host cities of the first 100 years. Twenty-five blank spaces remain to be filled with plaques for the host cities of the games' second century.
Eight magnificent, 65-foot high lighting towers encircle the Plaza. Named after the mythological messenger god, these "Hermes Towers" are stylized reproductions of markers that led ancient Greeks to significant public spaces and events.
C) Water Gardens
Aman-made series of beautifully landscaped, cascading water features weave through the five Quilt Plazas.
0 uilt Plazas
Five 60-foot-by-60-foot plazas tell the story of Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Games.

Quilt of Nations honors all 197 nations that participated in the 1996 Games. This was the largest number of countries ever represented in the history of the Games.
Quilt of Olympic Spirit salutes the 10,000 athletes who participated in the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
Quilt of Origins captures the enduring essence of the Olympic Games with a sculpture that symbolically follows the progression of the original Greek athletes to the athletes of today's Olympic Games.
Quilt of Remembrance features a mosaic of stones from around the world to honor the 111 people injured by the 1996 Games ' bombing incident. An eternal light shines here in memory of Alice Hawthorne.
Quilt of Dreams celebrates Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games CEO Billy Payne's 10-year saga of bringing the Centennial Olympic Games to his hometown.
0 Gatewa of Dreams
This sculpture pays homage to the founder of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, and to the ideals of the games.
8 Paralgmpic Legacg
This monument honors the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games and the 3,310 athletes from 104 countries who participated and set 268 world records.
Ci) ~outhern Compang Amphitheater
Perfect for open-air concerts and a great place to enjoy lunch, the amphitheater seats 1,200.
0 Allen Famil Tribute
This feature chronicles the leadership and three generations of contributions the Allen family made to Atlanta.

\ f!> Children's Garden
& Pla~ round
The playground provides younger visitors with their own special niche in the Park.
G) Georgia Agricultural Plaza & Gold Medal Gardens
This space pays tribute to the state's number one industry.
8 l\ndrowne Planet
Created by Enric Pladevall, an artist who lives in Barcelona, Spain, site of the 1992 Olympic Games, this sculpture was brought to Atlanta as a symbolic representation of the Games' continuity and spirit of international unity.
e Belvedere
The Belvedere, which means "beautiful overlook," provides a dramatic view of the Park and city skyline.
fl Garden Pavilions.
North & East
These shelters are available for picnics and special get-togethers.
} GP O erations Center
This building houses the Park's staff, vehicles and maintenance equipment and materials.

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c p .ck your lunch and get ready to enjoy a free midday concert from noon to 1 p.m . every
Tuesday and Thursday, April through September (excluding August) in the Southern Company Amphitheater. Where else can you experience live music and sunshine while enjoying lunch downtown?

Bring your friends , co-workers and lunch for live jazz, R&B ,

and contemporary music outdoors. No time to pack lunch? Purchase

,. __ _ _ _ _ _. . l

lunch at the Center.

Fountainside

Cafe, located

a few

steps

away

in the Visitor

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1""3n the Bricks concert series returns Friday nights, June 17 thru Sept. 2, to Centennial Olympic Park for its fifth year of line-ups featuring nationally known artists. Expect great performances at the stage in North Park this summer as the Park continues the tradition of bringing big-name bands and artists for a small price. In previous years, thousands of fans have turned out to see George Clinton, Avril Lavigne, Hootie and the Blowfish, India.Arie, Los Lonely Boys and Alanis Morisette to name a few.
For the latest news, schedules and line-ups visit www.onthebricks.com
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ednesday WindDown concerts are a great reason to bypass

weekday traffic and join numerous of music lovers for free live entertainment

in the Park. Come to the Park 's Southern Company Amphitheater every

Wednesday,April through September from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.for free live

entertainment.

This concert series is a crowd pleaser bringing fans to their feet to dance the evening away. Local and nationally recognized jazz, R&B and blues performers like Kirk Whalum and Ken Ford & Friends make up the star quality line-up every Wednesday evening. Bring a chair, or relax in the grass and enjoy the day as it turns into evening. Food, drinks and
family fun round out the electric atmosphere surrounding Centennial Olympic Park throughout this series.

Become a member of the Wednesday WindDown Regulars Club. In addition to hearing great music, members are eligible for weekly prize giveaways and special discounts. To commemorate the evening , Wednesday WindDown t-shirts are available at the tent staffed by Park volunteers, or at the Visitor Center.

a

full day of free interaction, education and

entertainment is guaranteed at the Park's Fourth Saturday

Family Fun Days. From April through September, on appointed

Saturdays, families can explore their creativity and curiosity

through arts and crafts, storytelling, demonstrations and live

-~ performances.

2005 Famil
April 30 - All About Art May- 21 - Great Outdoors! June 25 - Our Many- Cultures July- 22> - It's About gports Aug. 27 - Games &. Gadgets gept. 24 - Flights &. Kites.

Families taking part in Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days keep coming back again and again for good reason no Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day is the same! Each has a different theme.
So, if kite making, sand art, zoo animals, face painting, crafts, games, live music and dance sound like fun , don 't miss Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days at the Park this summer!
Themes and dates are tentative; please check www.centennialpark.com frequently for the latest information.

C

entennial Olympic Park is the place to be in downtown

Atlanta on Independence Day. The internationally acclaimed 4th

of July Celebration is the Park's largest event of the year,

attracting tens of thousands of spectators to enjoy a day of fun

and entertainment.

Come to the Park for the galote 2 America Parade.
stag for l\tlantas Best Fireworks display-.
The celebration is a daylong event kicking off with the annual Salute 2America Parade, which ends at the Park. Afterwards, families enjoy the afternoon playing in the Fountain of Rings, shopping at unique food and merchandise vendors and taking advantage of the rest of the Park's 21 acres of recreational space. Beginning in the late afternoon, family-friendly performances lead up to musical headliners.The evening culminates with an impressive fireworks display that lights up the night sky in sync with patriotic music honoring those who fought for America's freedom .
Come see for yourself why accessAtlanta voted Centennial Olympic Park as having Atlanta's "Best Fireworks" display!

EI!joy a da follow

J-t oliday in

Lights and the ice

_ skating rink at

Centennial Olympic

Park are quickly

,. becoming an

Atlanta tradition.

Enjoy an evening

stroll amidst the

twinkling lights

set against the

back drop of

Atlanta's skyline.

The Park is the onl I . friends & fair!"/ y p ~ce m Georgia where

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nearly one million lights and several animated

holiday store front displays filled the Park with holiday spirit during the

2004 season.

Nearly- one million lights. outdoor ice skating and free Holiday- concerts make the
Park a Holiday- most.

Winter also brings many other popular attractions to the Park. Atlantans and visitors alike look forward to the Park's popular ice skating rink. The rink is Atlanta's only outdoor skating venue. Enjoy covered observation seating, themed music and theatrical lighting that surround the rink through New Year's.
Join us each December for Carols in the Park, a free holiday concert, which in the past has featured performers such as Michael Bolton, Jim Brickman and Marietta's Big Chicken Chorus. Centennial Olympic Park is a fantastic family destination any time of the year!

S

ince its re-dedication in 1998, Centennial Olympic Park has

received well-deserved recognition, winning local and national

awards for its creativity, programming and friendly faces, further

confirming this Olympic legacy as a world-class facility.

"It's a great compliment to be acknowledged for our achievements by recognized professionals in our field. These awards are a nod to the creativity and dedication of
our staff, volunteers and sponsors." Brian Hill, assistant general
manager for Centennial Olympic Park.

IFEA Pinnacle Awards,
Atlanta Unites: Gold, Best Full Length TV Program (Local Promotion)
Atlanta Unites: Gold, Best Volunteer Program
Atlanta Unites: Silver, Best Event/Program to Benefit a Charity
Atlanta Unites: Silver, Best Community Outreach Program
ParkFest: Gold, Best New Fund-raising Program
Fountain Pen: Gold, Best Event/Organization Newsletter Under $250,000
Allie Awards,
Atlanta Unites: Best Event on a Shoestring
Southeast Regional Festivals & Events,
Best Radio Ad
Best Sponsor Solicitation Package
Metro l\tlanta Landsca e & Turf Association
(MALT8)_ Environmental Merit Award
Our Kid's Magazine,
Favorite Area Park

Georgia Festival and Event Association (GFEAl
Southeast Region Best Community Involvement, Forth Saturday Family Fun Days Program.
American Societ of Landscape Architects (ASLAl
National Landmark For Outstanding Landscape Architecture
Geor ia's Finest in Festivals & Events
Best Promotional Campaign
Recognition (GAFFER awards)
Atlanta Unites: Best New Event Atlanta Unites: Best Fundraising Program Atlanta Unites: Best TV Ad/PSA Atlanta Unites: Best Community Event Fourth of July Celebration: Best Radio Ad
accessAtlanta,
Best Fireworks
Creative Loafing:
Best Place to Cool Off

The Park's staff continues to strive for excellence in every area landscaping, festivals, concerts and guest interaction, making the Park
world renowned for its beauty and quality programming.

The Park has visitors from near and far. Check out some of their national origins and comments:
China ISpain IGuatemala IMexico IColumbia IVenezuela IEngland

"One of the most beautiful places I've visited. Good job!" - Rosalind A. lgbani, Randolph, MA
"From one Olympic city to another... Beautifully done!" - Gerry Beitel and Glenda Wong,
Calgary, Canada
"Great place, lots to remember." - Leyla Alktanova,
Baku, Azerbaijan
"Beautiful park, great music, nice people." -
Becky and Craig Knapton , North Vancouver, Canada

"Loved watching kids and grownups play in the Fountain of Rings." - Brian and Kelly, Buffalo, NY
"Beautiful landscaping and architecture. Great water features!" - Jessica Donnelly and Michael
Porter, Tallahassee, FL

"Been waiting years to make it here." - Mike
Bresnahan, Los Angeles, CA
"Great park, great people." - Felix Zayas, Jacguas,
Puerto Rico

"Great Southern hospitality." - Marie Gavin, England
"First class Information Desk and service. Very good park - enjoyed the day!" - Kevin
Nannion, Shefield, UK

"What an experience. The children loved it!" -
Angie DeAngelis, Rome, GA
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(L-R) Mark Banta - General Manager IJennifer Tinker - Volunteer Coordinator Eric McCoy - Park Maintenance Lead ILt. Ken Skinner - Public Safety IJoe Skopitz - Program Coordinator
Rebecca Hernandez - Assistant Program Coordinator ILynn Thomas - Administrative Assistant
Brian Hill - Assistant General Manager.
Centennial Olympic Park's friendly and talented administrative staff members enjoy making each day at the Park a special event.

Hours!
Centennial Olympic Park Open daily
Visitor Center I FountainSide Cafe Open daily, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
(u ntil 8 p.m. on nights with events)
Fountain of Rings
(synchronized fountain and music-program)
Spring / Summer 12:30 p.m. , 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Fall / Winter - 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Events
Music@Noon Every Tuesday and Thursday, April - September (excluding August) Noon - 1 p.m.
Wednesday WindDown Every Wednesday,April - September 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
On the Bricks Every Friday, June 17 - Sept. 2
Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days Appointed Saturdays,April - September Noon - 4 p.m.
4th of July Celebration Monday, July 4, 2005 Daylong event
Holiday in Lights / Ice Skating Rink Thanksgiving through the New Year
For the most up-to-date information on all of these events please visit the Park's website www.centennialpark.com . You may also find additional information by calling the Park's event hotline - 404.222.PARK (7275)

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.
POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 460 ATLANTA, GA.