This urban oasis offers walking paths, lawns for relaxing or playing Frisbee, and a series of public events to enjoy throughout the year.
Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park is one of the city’s major public spaces. The 21-acre (nine-hectare) downtown park is bound by several major attractions: the Georgia Aquarium, the CNN Center and the World of Coca-Cola.
Cool off in summer beneath the Fountain of Rings, a series of more than 250 water jets built into a courtyard known as the splash pad. Each ring is 25 feet (eight meters) in diameter and the jets of water propel up to 35 feet (10 meters) in the air. Don’t miss the great photo opportunities during the light and music show on display throughout the afternoon and evening.
Stroll the park’s walkways for spectacular views of Atlanta’s skyline. Glance down to check out messages from donors to the park’s construction, engraved in the pavement. The park was built as a centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, when locals and visitors congregated here for entertainment and medal presentations.
Centennial Olympic Park remains a popular meeting point for locals. Particularly on weekends, families fill the lawns with picnic blankets. Joggers and cyclists use the paths for exercise in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Starting in November, the park is decorated with lights and Christmas trees for the holiday season, and an ice-skating rink is open November through January. During the summer, the park plays host to a series of events. Visit at lunchtime on Tuesday and Thursday for Music@Noon, or drop by for the music on Wednesday Evening WindDown. Weekend family activities are also regularly scheduled. Check the park’s website for a complete events schedule.
The park is open every day. There’s free wireless internet access and public restrooms at the Visitor’s Center on the west end of the park.
There are limited public parking spaces, so consider using public transport. Three buses stop on the park’s perimeter.