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All Month Long...

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department celebrates the best time of the year - National Parks and Recreation Month!

Throughout the month of July, we will highlight our amazing staff in a variety of social media highlights -
"I am Parks and Recreation and..."

Please be sure to visit the Department's Facebook page and Instagram to learn about the people who help everyone learn, create, and play!

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 for 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.

Virtual Leisure Services

Although some facilities are not open, everyone can still enjoy programs online! Virtual Leisure Services offers a variety of activities broken into four general categories: Arts, Athletics, Nature, and Recreation.

There are a variety of (FREE!) programs, including Art at Home with Toni, Dance, Cooking in the Kitchen, Tai Chi, and more! New activities are added weekly so check back often!

Park Opening Update

Most Leisure Services parks and facilities including Bear Hollow Zoo, Lyndon Arts Center, Sandy Creek Nature Center, Sandy Creek Park, 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 as well as unsupervised amenities including playgrounds, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.

Face covers must be worn at indoor facilities and outdoors. 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 order

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