Hidden Gem: Centennial Olympic Park's Gold Medal Garden

May. 23, 2018

The Gold Medal Garden is a quiet, hidden gem tucked away at Centennial Olympic Park.
When visitors stumble upon it, the magic of the plants draws them in and invites them to sit on one of the garden’s benches.  Others seek out the plant markers identifying the different species.  Perhaps one contemplates what might thrive in their own home garden.
Hopefully, it leaves visitors inspired and gives them a brief respite in the world of flora.
This garden hatched from a partnership between Centennial Olympic Park and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension more than 15 years ago.  Out of this collaboration, the Gold Medal Garden was created and is maintained by the Central Fulton Master Gardeners.
Even though the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program ended after the 2016 season, the Central Fulton Master Gardeners remain committed to placing Gold Medal plants in the garden.  They have a sense of ownership and take pride in the verdant space.
The Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program promoted plants which thrive in the Georgia climate.  Winners were chosen from five categories:  Natives, Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs and Vines and Groundcovers.  The Central Fulton Master Gardeners volunteer their time throughout the year by pruning, weeding, mulching, and adding seasonal plantings in keeping with the Gold Medal Plant Program.
Check out this Gold Medal Garden slide show shot by Georgia World Congress Center Authority multimedia specialist (and unConventional contributor) Ashley Gilmer and then explore this wonder of urban nature yourself.

  • Euphorbia cluster located in Centennial Olympic Park's Gold Medal Garden.

 

Posted by
Jennifer Tinker   Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator
on May. 23, 2018
An Authority veteran since 2002, Jennifer has been leading volunteers at Centennial Olympic Park and, more recently, the Georgia World Congress Center. Her favorite customer service mantra is: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

2 responses to “Hidden Gem: Centennial Olympic Park's Gold Medal Garden”

  1. Atlantans, and our visitors, are very fortunate that a passionate group of dedicated master gardeners strive to beautify Centennial Olympic Park. With green space rapidly vanishing inside the city, we need every inch of well-tended garden spaces for our own well-being and our city’s reputation and aesthetic. Thank you Central Fulton Master Gardeners!

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