....11IIII1I::n=~~~""""" 111:: .I1I1=n:""":~ Centennial Olympic Park I & A Vision Come to Life Anchoring Downtown's Revival 4 I 5 Visitor Center The Heart of the Park Special Occasions I Events 6 I Volunteers The Spirit of the Park 7 I Points of Interest Park Map 8 Music at Noon 10 On the Bricks 10 Wednesday WindDown 10 Family Fun Days 11 n n n nn 4!1! of July Celebration 12 n~ n n n n n n Holiday in Lights 1& n n nn nn n n Praise & Accolades 14 n n n n nn n n Guest Comments 15 n n n n n n n n Meet the Staff 15 n n n n n n n n nn n " 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 1996 ...J s~ : ewx: z .03..:. z 2002 3: 0 C .:w:.:.c. 2003 Cz , 5.2 (.) . 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. GEORGIAAOUARIUM FUTURE HOME OF WORLD OF COKE _ _ _ __, ..... """' PWAI ll.TOF ONS ICTOF PICSPUUT ll.T GI CNNCENTEA: INl'UIWOW.kVO A N 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 II - ~ ,. s ---------.to><--- ;i,.: c on ce en t ennial O l y ~PI 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 ---------co~---, ~ 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 ~;:::-::~~o~ .._J Thanks to our wpaithrt nLeifres hUi npiv:~sity, f:rom I ies Thanksa1 can . ice sk t a e outdoors --------- v~m;g th;r;a :N:ew:.Y:e:a:rs~. 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 --------"""11.o~. .------~~-$-- ~ ~ ~ .~ (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.