Fountain pen: official visitor's guide to Centennial Olympic Park , 2011

Official visitor's guide to Centennial Olympic Park Spring 2011 park information and special events

TABLE of CONTENTS
About the Park welcome................................................................... 2 downtown inspiration................................................. 3 visitor center ............................................................ 4 volunteer opportunities ............................................. 4 private events............................................................ 5 googie burger........................................................... 6 points of interest........................................................ 7
Featured Events music @ noon............................................................ 9 wednesday windDown............................................... 9 fourth saturday family fun day................................... 10 4th of july celebration.............................................. 11 holiday traditions..................................................... 12
Feedback & Staff praise & accolades.................................................. 13 guest comments....................................................... 14 meet the park staff................................................... 14
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www.centennialpark.com

WELCOME to Centennial Olympic Park

Less than two decades ago, Centennial Olympic Park's neighborhood was a run-down, neglected corner of downtown Atlanta. But Billy Payne, CEO of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, had a vision of a picturesque gathering space for visitors and residents during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and for years to come.
Today the Park is host to more than 3 million international and local visitors a year. Guests come to enjoy the world's largest interactive fountain featuring the Olympic Rings symbol, Atlanta's longest running free concert series, one of the Southeast's largest 4th of July celebrations, award-winning, family oriented community programming and to locate their commemorative Olympic bricks. In addition to the regular programming, the Park hosts numerous charity walks, festivals and special events.

In 2011, the Park will host the start and finish of the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon, the National Black Arts Festival, the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, Kite Fest and the southeast's largest Hispanic outdoor family festival, Fiesta Atlanta. Centennial Olympic provides downtown with the best in entertainment and recreation.
In addition to being a community gathering space, the Park is committed to serving as a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games. Learn about the Olympic memorabilia in the Park this spring through the audio tour. This new feature is approximately an hour long audio walking tour that provides visitors with historical information about the Park and is available at the Visitor Center. While in the Visitor Center, be sure to view the "Before and After" photo display. The wall includes black and white pictures prior to the construction of the Park contrasted by color images of present day activity. See how the 1996 Olympics transformed the city of Atlanta.

DOWNTOWN Development

2005: Georgia Aquarium 2006: The Glenn Hotel 2007: World of Coca-Cola, Twelve Centennial Park, Ernst & Young 2008: Hilton Garden Inn, AmericasMart Addition, Restaurant Row 2009: W Hotel 2011: Georgia Aquarium Dolphin Addition, Courtyard Atlanta Downtown, Comfort Suites 2013: National Center
for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame

Centennial Olympic Park not only serves as a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, but is also the anchor for downtown development. Over $3 billion is dedicated to planned development around the Park- including streetscape, retail, residential, hotel, attraction and office space.
With neighbors that include the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, the Tabernacle and Imagine It! The Children's Museum, the Park has become the center of a thriving tourist district. Future planned attractions include the Center for Civil & Human Rights, which will house the papers of legendary Atlanta civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the College Football Hall of Fame.
New amenities to service the many visitors in downtown have also centralized themselves around the Park. There are many hotel options, including the Hilton Garden Inn and the W Atlanta, as well as an abundance of dining options around the Park. "Restaurant Row" on Marietta Street, houses STATS sports bar, Rise Sushi Lounge,

Max's Pizza, and Der Biergarten. Additionally, restaurants such as Mellow Mushroom, BLT Steak, Legal Sea Foods, Dantanna's, Johnny Rockets, Googie Burger, Glenn's Kitchen and Baja Fresh have all joined the neighborhood.
A short walk from the Park, Georgia State University brings a vibrant population to downtown with new growth and development. The University continues to see a record number of applicants and the newly constructed University Commons is a downtown home for more than 2,000 students. The Panthers' 2011 football schedule will kick off Thursday, Sept.1 at the Georgia Dome, as GSU hosts Clark Atlanta in the 2011 opener. This year's overall student body, graduate and undergraduate, totals more than 30,000.
In 2011, downtown Atlanta will have 354 additional housing units, 84,000 square feet of additions to the Georgia Aquarium and 306 new hotel rooms. Although the economy has slowed development, the downtown community remains excited about the new growth and future projects for the area.

www.centennialpark.com

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VISITOR CENTER

The heart of the Park is the Visitor Center, located on the south end, adjacent to the Fountain of Rings.

Philip Bonneau

Sara Faris

Snap photo scavenger hunt is a unique and entertaining event that we are excited to be apart of. The event draws imaginative teams to gather for the 12-hour race against the clock to shoot, edit, print and submit a scavenger hunt list of items with the Castleberry Hill Historic District and Centennial Olympic Park as the composition. The items needed to complete the photo competition range from the obvious to riddles that have to be answered before knowing what to shoot. Winning photographs are displayed in the Visitor Center. For more information contact Amanda Brown at 404.388.8757 or art@artisttrifecta.com

The Visitor Center is home to the commemorative brick locator kiosks, audio walking tour and the Information Desk. Staffed by friendly volunteers who are available to answer questions about the Park and Atlanta, the Visitor Center is a great place to pick up a Park souvenir.
Volunteers are also available to assist in locating individual's bricks within the Park's 21 acres. Prior to the 1996 Olympic Games, thousands of private donors purchased commemorative Olympic bricks, representing a donation toward the construction of Centennial Olympic Park. In all, nearly 500,000 bricks were sold, each with a special message or name, raising roughly $17.5 million. The bricks now make up the sidewalks within the Park.
The kiosks are a great resource whether you purchased a commemorative brick during the construction of Centennial Olympic Park or you are just curious about the Park's history. Guests can receive an overview of Centennial Olympic Park's role in the 1996 Olympic Games, learn how the area looked before the Park was built and get detailed information about the Park's monuments and Olympic tributes.
The Audio Walking Tour provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the Park at their convenience. At their own pace, visitors can enjoy and learn about Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park and the continued legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games. This self-guided audio tour through the Park is packed with history, architecture, quirky trivia, original music and interviews. The walking tour begins and ends at the Parks Visitor Center and is approximately an hour long loop. The cost is $5 per listening device.
Free wireless Internet access is available in and around the Visitor Center The Visitor Center is open daily; hours vary by season and on holidays.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
In keeping with the spirit of the 1996 Olympic Games, the Park continues to offer unique and fulfilling volunteer opportunities. Volunteers play a vital role in our community programming, the experience of millions of visitors every year and the Olympic legacy of the Park. Volunteer shifts are flexible and available seven days a week. Get involved and volunteer today! Volunteers are utilized at various events throughout the year including our Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days, 4th of July Celebration, Wednesday WindDown, Holiday in Lights, the Information Desk and beatification projects.
For more information about joining the award-winning volunteer program please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, at 404.223.4412, or apply online at www.centennialpark.com.

PRIVATE EVENTS
From its inception, Centennial Olympic Park was intended to serve as a community gathering place.

From its inception, Centennial Olympic Park was intended to serve as a community gathering place. In addition to the millions of visitors that enjoy outdoor recreation in the Park every year, the Park has hosted everything from an eight-ton ice sculpture to a picnic for the Barnum & Bailey Circus elephants. The Park offers a unique alternative to the indoors. Almost anything can be accommodated within the beautiful 21 acre space. The Park is multifaceted enough to host both monumental and intimate events. Whether it's a fundraiser, festival or corporate reception, the Park's lush lawns, pavilions and amphitheater are the perfect setting!

If you are interested in hosting an outdoor gathering, in an awardwinning location, then the Centennial Olympic Park staff wants to help make it happen. Whether your desire is to motivate, entertain or relax, we are sure your event will be an unforgettable one. Our experienced, attentive staff is here to make your event seamless and easy. Engineering and catering services are available for any event, from concerts and film screenings to sack lunches and buffets. Other events held in the Park have included cocktail parties, holiday get-togethers and promotional road shows.

For more information: visit www.centennialpark.com or call 404.223.4412.
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www.centennialpark.com

location: In Centennial Olympic Park next to the Fountain of Rings
hours: Monday Sunday 11:00am 8:00pm
for more information: visit www.googieburger.com or call 404.223.GOOG (4664)

Googie Burger celebrates the spirit of Atlanta and Centennial Olympic Park with an iconic and beloved food classic the burger.
The restaurant is named for the renowned architecture that frames the Park's new walk-up eatery. Used since the 1950's, the genre is characterized by its futuristic look and bold angles. Googie Burger's nostalgic menu features burgers, fries, hot dogs, milkshakes and more. This walk-up burger joint provides tourists and locals with quick service and an exhibition kitchen that showcases the quality and freshness of the menu items. Guests are welcomed by orange-framed walk-up windows and can enjoy their food in an energetic and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, Googie Burger boasts delicious chicken sandwiches and housemade veggie burgers.Googie Burger will undoubtedly draw attention from locals, visitors, and families. Located adjacent to the Park's Fountain of Rings, patrons can take pleasure in all the action while devouring a delicious Googie Burger.

POINTS of Interest
S Visitor Center and Googie Burger Home to the commemorative brick locator kiosks, audio walking tour, restrooms and Information Desk staffed by friendly volunteers. This is the place to grab a burger or pick up a Park souvenir.
1 Allen Family Tribute Monument chronicles the leadership and contributions over three generations the Allen family has made to Atlanta.
2 Gateway of Dreams Sculpture pays homage to the founder of the modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, and to the ideals of the Games.
3 Androgyne Planet Sculpture was created by Enric Pladevall, an artist who lives in Barcelona, Spain, site of the 1992 Olympic Games, and brought to Atlanta as a symbolic representation of the Games' continuity and international unity.
4 Children's Garden and Playground Playground provides younger visitors with their own special area in the Park.
5 Paralympic Legacy Monument honors the 1996 Paralympic Games and the 3,310 athletes from 104 countries who participated and set 268 world records.
6 Water Gardens The man-made series of beautifully landscaped, cascading water features weave through the five Quilt Plazas.
6 Quilt of Nations honors all 197 nations that participated in the 1996 Games, the largest number of countries ever represented in the history of the Olympic Games.
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www.centennialpark.com

7 Quilt of Olympic Spirit salutes the 10,000 athletes who participated in the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
8 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.
9 Quilt of Remembrance features a mosaic of stones from around the world to honor the 111 people injured by the 1996 Olympic Park bombing. An eternal light shines here in memory of Alice Hawthorne, who perished.
10 Quilt of Dreams celebrates Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games CEO Billy Payne's 10-year quest of bringing the Centennial Olympic Games to his hometown.
11 Centennial Plaza The 100 square-meter plaza surrounds the Fountain of Rings and commemorates the modern Olympics' 100th anniversary. Anchored by the official Olympic Games flag, 23 national flags fly representing the host cities of the summer Games prior to 1996 (no games were held in 1916, 1940 and 1944).
The Plaza's 48 Willow Oak tree planters have engraved plaques that honor the 23 host cities of the first 100 years. The remaining 25 planters will receive plaques for the other cities hosting Games during the next century.
Eight magnificent, 65-foot high custom light towers encircle the Plaza. Named after the mythological messenger god Hermes, the "Hermes Towers" are stylized reproductions of markers that led the ancient Greeks to significant public spaces and events.

12 Fountain of Rings Not only is it one of the most sophisticated fountains in the world, the Fountain of Rings is also the world's largest interactive fountain to incorporate the Olympic Rings symbol. Children of all ages play in the water and enjoy the synchronized music program where water dances to familiar tunes complete with sound and lighting effects. It's free to view the Fountain of Rings show, which plays daily, subject to special events and weather conditions.
13 Southern Company Amphitheater 1,200-seat amphitheater is perfect for open-air concerts.
Commemorative Bricks Engraved bricks served as the primary fundraiser for the construction of the Park and make up the majority of the sidewalks in the Park.
Quilt of Leaves Quilt of leaves motif seen throughout the Park is representative of the design created for the 1996 Olympic Games.
Quilt Plazas Five 60-foot-by-60-foot plazas tell the story of Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Games.
All Children's Playground Playground offers equipment and interactive games that are accessible to children of all physical abilities.
Georgia Agricultural Plaza & Gold Medal Gardens Plaza pays tribute to the state's leading industry. Plants in the garden are winners of the "Georgia Gold Medal Award," meaning they are the most attractive and well adapted to grow in Georgia soil and climate and are tended to by the Georgia Master Gardeners.
Belvedere Belvedere, which means "the beautiful overlook", provides an impressive view of the Park and downtown skyline.

MUSIC @ NOON
Music @ Noon is the perfect midday getaway filled with sunny skies
and great entertainment.
Pack a lunch and enjoy a free concert from noon to 1pm every Tuesday and Thursday, April through October in the Southern Company Amphitheater. Bring your friends, co-workers and lunch to enjoy a variety of live music including pop, jazz and R&B performed by local artists. No time to pack a lunch? Check out Googie Burger. The delicious menu and unbeatable prices make it the perfect lunchtime spot.

WEDNESDAY WindDown
Atlanta's longest running
free concert series.
Wednesday WindDown, has been entertaining music lovers for over a decade! Relax with an evening of free, live entertainment every Wednesday, April through September from 5:30pm 8pm in the Park's Southern Company Amphitheater.
Local and nationally recognized jazz, R&B and blues performers bring fans to their feet every Wednesday evening. Bring a chair or lounge in the grass, and enjoy the day as it turns into evening. Food and beverages are available for purchase around the amphitheatre and at Googie Burger, located next to the Fountain of Rings.
Don't forget to sign up for the Wednesday WindDown Regulars email to receive artists' biographies and concert updates.

FOURTH SATURDAY FAMILY FUN DAY

Come out and enjoy the award-winning, Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days at Centennial Olympic Park.
These fun-filled afternoons consist of free, themed family fun, once a month, from April to September, noon to 4 pm. The days are full of entertaining and educational activities for children of all ages and each Saturday features a different theme.
Activities include: street performers, musicians, specialty workshops, demonstrations, children's crafts, a life-size chess game, family friendly concerts, performances, local sports mascots, touring shows, contests and prizes. So, if kite-making, sand art, zoo animals, games and storytelling sound like fun for the entire family.
Check www.centennialpark.com for the latest information.

2010 SCHEDULE
April 23 All About Kids Art
May 28 Flights & Kites
June 25 Great Outdoors
July 23 It's About Sports
August 27 Games & Gadgets
September 24 Our Many Cultures

4th of JULY CELEBRATION
Centennial Olympic Park's 4th of July Celebration is the place to be on Independence Day

The Park's largest event of the year provides Atlantans a full day of entertainment.
Families will enjoy playing in the Fountain of Rings, children's arts and crafts, shopping at unique food and merchandise vendors and just relaxing in the Park's 21-acre recreational space.
Live, family-friendly entertainment performs in the late afternoon before a national headliner takes the stage. The evening culminates in an impressive fireworks display that lights up the beautiful, down-town Atlanta skyline. The televised fireworks

display is synchronized with a special selection of patriotic music celebrating America's Independence.
Each year, thousands of people come to the Park to celebrate Independence Day. We encourage visitors to take MARTA. The Park is a short walk from the Dome/GWCC/Philips/CNN Station and the Peachtree Center Station. Food and Beverage will be for sale in the Park and at Googie Burger. Arrive at the Park early to get a good seat and enjoy fun for the whole family.
Come see the best fireworks display in Atlanta!

www.centennialpark.com

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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

The Park's annual Holiday in Lights display and Ice Rink are an Atlanta holiday tradition

The Park transforms in mid-November into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights that make up the sparkling display. Different and unique every year, Holiday in Lights runs through the entire month of January. The Park is open daily to view the lights from 7 am to 11 pm, including all holidays. There is no charge for admission.

Enjoy an evening stroll through the glowing 21-acre Park and take a spin around downtown Atlanta's only outdoor ice skating rink. One of the southeast's largest outdoor ice skating rinks is located amidst the thousands of glittering lights that decorate the Park. The rink features covered seating, theatrical lighting, real ice, holiday music and is a wonderful family experience.

Come join the fun & make this a holiday family tradition.

PRAISE & ACCOLADES

Since its rededication in 1998, Centennial Olympic Park has received significant praise and recognition, winning local and national awards for creative programming and achievements in landscape architecture.

"The level of competition among our peers makes it an incredible honor to receive these awards. The Park

continues to strive for excellence in all facets of our operation and to serve as an award-winning destination,"



Joe Skopitz, assistant general manager of Centennial Olympic Park.

The Park has received the following honors:

Atlanta Magazine Best Olympic Souvenir Best Legacy
Access Atlanta Best Fireworks
APEX E-Fountain Pen
Creative Loafing Best Place to Cool Off Best Place to Hear Music for Free Best Place to take the Kids for Cheap Fun Best Place for a Kodak Moment Best Atlanta Landmark
Our Kid's Magazine Favorite Area Park
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Phoenix Award: July 4th Celebration
Georgia Festival and Event Association (GFEA) Best Community Involvement: Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days
Georgia's Finest in Festivals & Events Recognition (GAFFER) Best Promotion Campaign

Best Volunteer Program Best New Event: Atlanta Unites Best Fundraising Program: Atlanta Unites Best Television Ad/PSA: Atlanta Unites Best Community Involvement Program:
Atlanta Unites Best Community Involvement Program:
Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days Best Radio Ad: 4th of July Celebration
International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) Best Community Outreach Program:
Atlanta Unites Best E-Newsletter: E-Fountain Pen Best Event Invitation: All Children's Playground Best Event/Organization Newsletter: Fountain Pen Best Event/Program to Benefit a Charity:
Atlanta Unites Best Event Progam: Wednesday WindDown Best Free Program: Wednesday WindDown Best Full Length TV Program (Local Promotion):
Atlanta Unites Best Full Length TV Program (Local Promotion):
4th of July Celebration Best Miscellaneous Multimedia: Screensavers Best New Fundraising Program: ParkFest Best Organizational Web site:
www.centennialpark.com

www.centennialpark.com

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Best Other Merchandise: Postcards Best Radio Promotion: 4th of July Celebration Best Volunteer Program: Atlanta Unites
IFEA Southeast Regional Awards Best Radio Ad: 4th of July Celebration Best Sponsorship Solicitation Package Best Miscellaneous Printed Materials:
Fountain Pen Best Miscellaneous Printed Materials:
Wednesday WindDown Photo Book Best Event Photograph: Southern Comfort
Music Experience Best Event Photograph: Pachyderm Picnic Best Event Photograph: Wednesday WindDown Best Event Photograph: Siemens Smart
Grid Road Tour Best Event Program or Brochure:
Wednesday WindDown Program Best Publication: Wednesday WindDown
Photo Book Best Publication: Fountain Pen Best Web site: www.centennialpark.com Best Festival or Event: 10th Anniversary
Celebration Best Event Photograph: Siemens Smart
Grid Road Tour

International Special Events Society (ISES) Best Event on a Shoestring: Atlanta Unites
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) National Landmark for Outstanding
Landscape Architecture
Georgia Urban Forest Council Outstanding Civic Organization
Metro Atlanta Landscape & Turf Association (MALTA) Merit Environmental Award: Commercial
Landscape Maintenance by TruGreen LandCare Distinction Environmental Award: Commercial Landscape Maintenance by TruGreen LandCare Grand Environmental Award: Seasonal Color & Community Service Project by Simply Flowers
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Merit Award: Commercial Landscape
Management by TruGreen Landcare Distinction Award: Commercial Landscape
Management by TruGreen Landcare

MEET the PARK STAFF

Our staff strives to make every Park experience unique and special through our creativity, dedication & enthusiasm.

Mark Banta General Manager

Joe Skopitz Assistant General Manager

Greg Knight Program Coordinator

Jennifer Tinker Visitor Center & Volunteer Coordinator

Christina Skowronski Public Relations Specialist

Anthony Steed Operations Lead

Orlando Alexander Public Safety Lieutenant

Lisa Stock Executive Assistant

GUEST COMMENTS

The Park has visitors from all over the world. Here's what they had to say:

"This event would not have been the same without the efforts of you and your staff. It has been a pleasure working with you and we look forward to working with you again in the future." -- Project Dance Atlanta Staff
"Thank you so much for your support yesterday. You all did a fabulous job and we are so grateful for everything! We were very pleased with the turnout yesterday and I look forward to working with you again soon!" -- Foundation Fighting Blindness

"I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for helping make this one of the smoothest and most successful openings of our long tenure at the park." -- The Ice Guys Staff
"Thanks again for all of your help making this past week work. I think all of us agree it was a great showcase for the Budweiser Clydesdales." -- Atlanta Beverage Company
"Thanks for the hospitality." -- Visitor from New Jersey

"Thank you so much for having our crew film at Centennial Olympic Park. Your staff was excellent to work with every step of the way." -- Third House Productions
"This is a really fantastic place. Really impressive!" -- Visitor from Mississippi
"The Olympics were wonderful. The Park brings back beautiful memories." -- Visitor from Florida
"Great fountains." -- Visitor from Russia

www.centennialpark.com

265 Park Avenue West, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30313
hours Centennial Olympic Park: Daily, 7am 11pm Visitor Center April October, 8am 10pm November March, 8am 6pm Googie Burger: Daily, 11am 8pm Fountain of Rings: Daily, 7am 11pm Fountain of Rings Show (synchronized fountain & music program) Daily, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm & 9:00pm Show times may vary based on water conservation efforts, events or weather. events Music @ Noon Every Tues. & Thurs., April October, Noon 1pm Wednesday WindDown Every Wed., May September, 5:30pm 8pm Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days Every fourth Sat. of the month, April September, Noon 4pm 4th of July Celebration: Mon., July 4, 2011, Daylong event Holiday in Lights/Ice Skating Rink November 18, 2011 January 29, 2012 For the most up-to-date information on events, visit www.centennialpark.com, call 404.222.PARK (7275), or connect online.
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