The manager of the Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Hall County expects the venue to shatter previous year numbers for area economic impact this year.
Speaking to area business leaders Thursday, Morgan House said the park's 2015 economic impact was $6.2 million.
"This year, we're going to generate $10 million or more in economic impact. $10 million. I think that that's pretty inspiring. It's very exciting. I think the community should really rally around those kind of numbers," House said.
Part of the impact this Spring is the May 19-22 Pan American Championships for flatwater canoe and kayak athletes. House told the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors that it's a key event for the site, previously known as the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.
"It is the last Olympic qualifying event for Rio (Olympics) 2016. If you're a canoer or kayaker in the Western Hemisphere and you want to go to Rio this year, you have to come to Gainesville first. If that's not cool, I don't know what is, right?" House said.
He said organizers have secured sponsors to help fund the event. They include title sponsor Georgia 811, the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority and an anonymous donor.
House is still looking for sponsors for the event which is quickly approaching. He's also recruiting volunteers.
"Volunteer categories range from greeters, ushers, trash pickup, VIP, hospitality, you name it, we can find a place for you."
Leading up to the Pan American event, venue officials have been working through the first phase of renovations and improvements to the site, which played host to flatwater canoe/kayak and rowing events for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
The first and current phase includes items such as a ramp on the tower side of the site. It goes from the top to the bottom of the plaza. Another improvement is a bridge from the plaza to the tower itself.
The concession/service building at the venue is also getting some attention. Work includes an expanded concession area, windows and a private restroom.
House hopes the restroom addition will help him market the park for more weddings. Previously, brides would have to use an office and public restrooms to get ready.
House and a revamped Gainesville-Hall ’96, the organization that originally helped build the venue and bring olympic events to the county, have also been promoting the site for activities outside of the realm of the canoe/kayak and rowing activities.
Phase one projects total $1.1 million, funded through SPLOST, an Appalachian Regional Commission grant and a corporate sponsorship from Springer Mountain Farms.
Proposed phase two projects include work on the park side of the venue. It's projected to include trails. Phase three involves work on the actual boathouse.
As House and others look to the future, they'll celebrate the past later this year. On August 5, they'll host a Rio on the Water event. It will mark the 20th anniversary of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
"It's going to be a Carnival type thing. We're going to have Brazilian belly dancers, fire breathers, jugglers, stilt walkers, fantastic Brazilian food and a live band. It's going to be fantastic."
