Unidentified photographer, Gainesville circa 1996
Georgia Amateur Athletic Foundation Collection, Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center
Opened: 1996 | Still in use
Gainesville was another location outside of the city of Atlanta to enter a bid process to secure an Olympic venue. The features of Lake Lanier aligned with the needs of rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, as there are several segments with long straight stretches of water visible from the shoreline. With the efforts of a dedicated local committee of planners, and even some rowers, the city moved forward as the designated site for these events in the 96 Games. Local organizers planned Lake Lanier Olympic Park, which includes a network of facilities on land, as well as monitoring towers and timing technology needed for water courses. It still hosts national