The instant you arrive in the Downtown Atlanta area, you’re guaranteed to encounter the world famous Centennial Olympic Park. This historic park unites several of the city’s largest attractions including, the World of Coke, the CNN Center and the Georgia Aquarium and is a gathering place for many of the city’s top festivals, concert series and special events. During the late seventies, the area where the park is currently located was nothing more than a run-down part of town that did nothing to contribute to the bustling Downtown Atlanta corridor. After winning the international bid for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, the area quickly underwent a major renovation and became the epicenter of the games and all of the festivities. After the Olympic Games were over, the popularity of Centennial Olympic Park remained and after a slight renovation for regular daily usage, the park quickly became one of Downtown Atlanta’s top outdoor venues. 
Sitting on twenty-one acres of land, Centennial Olympic Park boasts beautiful fountains, sprawling grass areas and a water feature that is the highlight of the summer for local children and visitors seeking a fun way to cool down. Many of the city’s largest community-wide events take place at Centennial Olympic Park including; Wind Down Wednesdays, a jazz concert series and the Fourth of July extravaganza. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll through a piece of Olympic history or you’re enjoying an outdoor concert with friends, the Centennial Olympic Park experience is one to be cherished and enjoyed. 
Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave West N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30313-1591 For more information, please call (404) 223-4412. For a recorded message of general Centennial Olympic Park information, such as park events, hours and directions, please call (404) 222-PARK (7275). [mappress] Photo credit: Iran Watson
