Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park--Come Celebrate!

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

05 May 2006 05:12 AM

Wow! It's hard to believe that it has been 10 years since Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. It was exactly ten years ago today that I was offered (and accepted) a job as a news reporter covering the Olympic Games. It's still hard for me to believe that an entire decade has passed since I loaded my belongings into my little Toyota Corolla and headed down south.

When I got Atlanta my first assignment was to cover the progress being made on Centennial Olympic Park. Since it was May, the finishing touches were still being put on what began as a "multi-block eyesore." The transformation was incredible and in the ten years since the Games it has again metamorphosed into a place where families can play and learn.

Centennial Olympic Park has more than a dozen features from the Children's Garden and Playground to gorgeous water gardens and a magnificent amphitheater. The park spans 21-acres, so there is a lot to cover. If you are only visiting for the day (or part of a day), here's my list of the park's must-see attractions:

Fountain of Rings-It's the sight where I took the most pictures and the place where your children will likely want to spend the entire day. The interactive fountain, shaped like the Olympic Rings, forms a splash pad for children (and parents) to frolic in. More than 250 jets shoot water 12 to 35 feet into the air and are synchronized with music being played through speakers surrounding the fountain. It is the park's most popular attraction so don't be surprised if you have to wait a while for your chance to run through the dancing waters.

Centennial Plaza-It is home to the official flag of the 1996 Olympic Games and the flags of the 23 previous host cities. The Plaza is hard to miss partially because there are eight 65-foot high light towers that encircle it. Take time to read the plaques and signs that provide a history of the Olympic Games.

Visitor Center and Café-I included this in my "must-see" list simply because this is where you can find the restrooms and directions to the park's various attractions. The Café serves hot dogs, soda, chips, and ice cream (the usual park fare). My suggestion: save money and pack your own picnic. There are acres and acres of green space and some wonderful garden pavilions located right next to the Children's Playground... perfect spots for you and your family to sprawl out and enjoy a meal outdoors.

Another tip, if you are planning to make your trip to Centennial Park a family affair, then visit on the fourth Saturday of the month. From April through September the park hosts "Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days." It's a day filled with hands-on activities for children. Events include games, art-and-crafts, touring shows, specialty displays and each month features a different theme. For example, May's theme is: "Flights and Kites." And the best part... it's free!

For more information on Centennial Park's upcoming events visit: www.centennialpark.com

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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MariaAtMagicOfRomance (17) 15 Mar 2007 10:50 AM

Even as an Atlanta native, I love this city! There's never a weekend when something's not going on. Festivals galore! This really is the capital of the New South!

Michele Cheplic (37349) 20 Mar 2007 10:26 AM

I can't wait to return!! I love Atlanta--thanks for sharing :)