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Fall Program Registration

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announces its fall program opportunities for 2020.

A diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events are planned for adults and children. Program offerings include "in person" and "virtual" opportunities.

In light of COVID-19, a new online "rolling registration" will take place every Saturday morning now through November 28 for ACC residents, with non-residents registration opening the following Monday. Each Saturday at 9:00 a.m. registration will begin for programs starting in two weeks. This registration process allows programs to shift based on current health conditions. Registration will continue daily until the program is full or until the program begins.

Before registering, individuals who have not already done so must establish a free online account at www.accgov.com/leisure. Payment may be rendered using a debit card, American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa, or a MasterCard or Visa gift card.

Individuals who do not have access to a computer or smart phone may register online using the computer labs at East Athens Community Center at 400 McKinley Dr., Lay Park at 297 Hoyt St., or Rocksprings Park at 291 Henderson Ext. during regular hours of operation.

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

Gotta Dance!

The Leisure Services Department will hold auditions for the East Athens Educational Dance Center (EAEDC) Accelerated Programs 1 - 4 on Thursday, August 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. All auditions take place at EAEDC at 390 McKinley Drive.

The Accelerated Program students range from the age of 6 -18. Participants train 3 - 7 hours a week in a variety of dance genres including African, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, and more. As part of the EAEDC's elite ensemble, these dancers will participate in performances including A Taste of the Holiday Season, EAEDC's Annual Production at the Morton Theatre, all recitals, and other community outreach performances.

The fee is $12 for new dancers and those currently not participating in the accelerated program. Those auditioning are required to be in full dance attire including black leotard, flesh toned tights, all dance shoes, and hair must be worn in a bun. Everyone should bring a face mask and bottle of water.

For more information on obtaining dance wear or how to audition, please call 706-613-3624 or email ronnie.anderson@accgov.com.

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.

Don't forget about Virtual Zoo Week at Bear Hollow Zoo happening all week!

There are a variety of free programs presented by staff from across the department! Stay active and engaged at home!

Park and Facility Update

All Leisure Services parks and facilities continue to operate under restricted use and limited public access. Operational hours have been adjusted at some facilities to allow for staff to work in alternate schedules in order to limit potential exposure and spread.

All facility operations will remain as currently scheduled with the following exceptions:

East Athens Community Center is open Monday-Friday from noon to 8:00 p.m. Weekend hours remain the same. Lay Park will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon – 8:00 p.m. The facility is open Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Weekend hours remain the same. Rocksprings Park will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Bear Hollow Zoo is closed.

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.

• 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 all parks and facilities. 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.