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Since 1896, the modern Olympics have created a substantial impact on host cities socially, economically and physically. Olympics are regarded as beneficial to the host city in terms of prestige and world status. The competitiveness of hosting is apparent, with nine cities vying for the bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of the Olympics on public open space, positively or negatively, through a review of three late 20th and 21st century host cities. The study uses a mixed methodology including data collection and case studies. The literature review identifies key definitions and standards of open space through the eras. Environmental reports and zoning maps are the primary data source and analytical focus. Metropolitan Reports and park maps were also used to allow quantitative analysis. The study examines data from a sample of three cities hosting summer Olympics during the last 20 years: Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000) and London (2012). The examination analyzes pre and post-Olympic games: the amount of open space, in hectares, and open space per capita. This initial study provides groundwork for future studies on Olympic host cities and areas looking to revitalize open space infrastructure. Planning paradigm shifts in governmental responsibilities are also brought out in this study. The research suggests that public open space increases in the city of Atlanta, Georgia and the Auburn Local Government in New South Wales, while decreasing in London, England relative to hosting the Olympics. Though data for the London post-Olympic timeframe is limited, open space has not kept pace with population growth.