Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park transformed a previously run-down urban area, prompted considerable and lasting regeneration and implanted itself in the heart of the city.
The park attracted USD 2.2 billion of new development to downtown Atlanta during the 20-year period 1996-2016, according to the Georgia World Congress Centre Authority. Entertainment centres have sprung up all around it, including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Centre for Civil and Human Rights. It was perhaps no surprise therefore that in 2016 the Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) organisation bestowed its Downtown Economic Impact award to the park.
Situated in 21 acres of downtown Atlanta, the park was, at the time of the Games, the largest urban green space created in the USA in 25 years. It became the entertainment and leisure centrepiece of the Games and has managed to hold on to that reputation. The park hosts weekly concerts, popular festivals, annual celebrations and more. Its primary permanent attraction, the Fountain of Rings, continues to attract visitors of all ages. It is the world’s largest interactive fountain to incorporate the Olympic rings symbol.
The park’s lasting impact is indicated by the completion of a large-scale renovation project in early 2019. Popular features such as the fountain were given a facelift, the park itself was expanded and new attractions, including the Paralympic Plaza, which honours the 3,000-plus Atlanta 1996 Paralympians, were inaugurated.
Financial backing for this upgrade leant on an original funding model for the park, which was itself inspired by a scheme implemented at the Olympic Winter Games Calgary 1988. Locals were offered the chance to purchase commemorative bricks which have since become part of the park itself.
Unfortunately, the park also carries with it the tragic memories of a bombing attack which occurred on day 10 of the Games. One person was killed directly from the blast, another died from a heart attack and 110 others were injured. The park was subsequently closed for three days while the Games continued. This tragedy brought people together in a universal appeal to continue the Olympic Games in the spirit in which they were started. A memorial service and reopening ceremony was attended 40,000 people.