Centennial Olympic Park expansion claims large tract of greenspace, for now

Eventually, the downtown park will grow toward the west and feature an enlarged amphitheater and new events space

By Michael Kahn Aug 3, 2017, 10:22am EDT

A massive construction site, with downtown skyline in the background. — Green grass has been transformed to red dirt.

Centennial Olympic Park, normally a green respite from the concrete monotony of downtown, isn’t looking its normal self these days.

Much of the western side of the park has been swallowed in a construction site as crews work on expanding the popular greenspace to Marietta Street. Once complete, the park will grow by more than three acres.

Work is currently concentrated where the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce building once stood. Its removal has opened up views across downtown and up to Midtown, especially for pedestrians near CNN Center.

In addition to added acreage, plans call for the expansion of the Southern Company Amphitheater, a new facilities and maintenance building, and a rooftop party patio for private events.

Additionally, fresh sidewalks, new entrances to the park, and sculptures paying homage to the Olympics will be added to spruce up the two-decade-old park.

Construction is expected to last through the end of next year. In the meantime, expect closures to affect many of the attractions in the park, including the Olympic Rings fountains.