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Make a Splash!

All ACCGov Leisure Services pools and splash pads open Friday, July 3rd for the season. Pools close for the season Sunday, August 2nd. This summer, all pool and splash pad admission fees are waived and everyone will be admitted free of charge!

Leisure Services operates five public pools including Bishop Park, East Athens Community Center, Lay Park, Memorial Park, and Rocksprings Park.

During the aquatics season, pools are open Tuesday-Friday and Sundays, 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. Pool hours are noon – 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The Bishop Park pool is open to the public on weekends only. All pools are closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Because of COVID-19, a series of requirements are in place to ensure a safe experience for all visitors:

• Access will be limited at each pool and splash pad.

• No swim toys of any kind are allowed at the pool. This includes, but is not limited, to inflatable devices, kickboards, noodles, rafts, and any other items that could be shared. Personal water wings and life vests, which help beginning swimmers to stay afloat, are permitted.

• Pool furniture has been removed from Bishop Park and Rocksprings, but patrons are allowed to bring their own chairs. Pool furniture will remain at other pools due to the fact they are anchored to the pool deck.

• Diving boards, slides, and climbing walls are closed for the duration of swim season.

For complete safety information and requirements, please call 706-613-3589 or visit www.accgov.com/aquatics.

Oh Say Can You See!

Calling all patriots to celebrate 244 years of American independence with a fireworks display at the Star Spangled Classic on Friday, July 3! The fireworks display will be launched at approximately 9:30 p.m. from the Athens Ben Epps Airport.

The community is encouraged to wear masks and enjoy this patriotic celebration from their cars. Spectators should stay within arm’s length from their vehicle.
Social distancing is encouraged.

In light of COVID-19, this Athens tradition has a new launch location this year and the public is encouraged to view the display as a “drive in” type spectator experience. Limited parking will be available at the Airport and Satterfield Park. Residents are encouraged to enjoy a windshield view or stay adjacent to their vehicle for the celebratory display safely from their cars at the vantage point of their choosing. All spectators are reminded to respect private property when choosing their viewing location.

The public is also reminded not to park on the side of roads to view the fireworks. Motorists should tune in to Bulldog 93.3 for traffic updates.

The event is sponsored by The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County and Bulldog 93.3.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800 or visit www.accgov.com/fireworks

Park Opening Update

Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park is now open under regular hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

Updated visitor guidelines have been developed. The community is reminded to follow these important guidelines for the safety of the public and zoo residents.

Most Leisure Services parks and facilities including Lyndon Arts Center, Sandy Creek Nature Center, community centers, and athletic parks are operating under regular hours of operation with restricted use and limited public access.

A complete list of parks and facilities open to the public is available at www.accgov.com/leisure.

The following restrictions are in effect for the immediate future:

• Facilities will operate with limited public access which is dependent upon occupancy, based on recommendations from the CDC.

• Athletic fields and gymnasiums are open, but no competitive play is allowed due to social distancing concerns.

• Pickleball and tennis courts are open.

• Dog park access is limited.

• Facility rentals must meet the Governor’s orders for group gatherings.

• Virtual programs continue at www.accgov.com/leisure.

Morton Theatre remains closed. Additionally, unsupervised amenities, including playgrounds, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, are closed, as well as the beach at Sandy Creek Park.

Face covers are strongly recommended at indoor facilities and outdoors when social distancing may be challenging. People are reminded to continue to limit close contact, practice physical distancing measures, wash or sanitize hands frequently, and follow group gathering and other guidelines per the governor's statewide executive orders.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

Virtual Leisure Services

Although some parks and facilities are not open, everyone can still enjoy programs online!

Virtual Leisure Services offers a variety of activities broken into four general categories: Stay Active, Stay Smart, Stay Creative and Stay Connected.

A variety of programs include Adult Fitness at Home, Online Coding Games for Kids, Cooking in the Kitchen, and more!