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Virtual Leisure Services

Life may look different these days, but the Leisure Services Department staff is dedicated to serving the Athens community by bringing engaging and educational programming to the public.

Now that schools are back in session, add to the school day by incorporating a Virtual Leisure Services program.

Art, dance, music, nature, sports, theatre, trails, zoo animals and much more are just a couple of clicks away!

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

Now on Display...

The Lyndon House Arts Center announces the opening of the fall series of exhibitions.

A Special Preview Opening is offered with timed entrance:

• Wednesday, September 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 10 from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Register for your free timed entry ticket.

Imagination Squared: Pathways to Resilience, is a project directed by artist Christina Foard consisting of more than 800 - 5 inch square works of art created by a large number of participants from students to community members. Using the theme of resiliency, these multiple small works tell individual stories and the collective story of recovery and strength.

The Art of Jeremy Ayers, adorns the walls of the Lukasiewicz Gallery. An inspirational artist, lyricist, activist and a most beloved member of our community, passed away in 2016. This exhibit features his photography, paintings, and drawings on loan from a number of local collections. Jeremy Dance, a film by Michael Stipe will be screened in the gallery.

Upstairs in the Atrium and South Gallery is an exhibit of five local artists exploring common materials in unusual ways. Boundless, features works by Don Chambers, Derek Faust, Alex McClay, Katherine McCullough, and Paula Reynaldi.

A project entitled Waterfall Plot, poetry and photography by UGA Professor and published author, Andrew Zawacki, will be on view in the West Gallery upstairs. This meditative exhibit includes an audio and media presentation.

In the Lounge Gallery, painted works by Kendall Rogers will be installed. Kendall was selected as the Lyndon House Arts Center's Choice Award for the 45th Juried Exhibition.

For more information, please call 706-613-3623.

Now Showing!

The Leisure Services Department will host a free “Movies by Moonlight Drive in Movie ” at Southeast Clarke Park on Friday, September 25.

The community is invited to celebrate football season with the family favorite “Little Giants” on the large inflatable screen that will be set up on the Lexington Road side of the park.

One ticket per vehicle is required. Tickets are limited to 75 vehicles and are available online at www.accgov.com/leisure from Saturday, September 12 at 9:00 a.m. until Thursday, September 24 at midnight. A direct link to the tickets will be posted on social media and the Leisure Services website. Tickets will not be available on the night of the event.

Check in will begin at 7:00 p.m. Cars must be in the park by 7:45 p.m. to ensure a safe and positive movie experience for all movie goers. The film will start at 8:00 p.m.

Upon arrival, motorists will be directed to the parking area with vehicles appropriately spaced to allow for social distancing. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and enjoy the film from inside their cars or within arm’s length of their car. Social distancing is strongly encouraged. The public is encouraged to bring their own refreshments.  Food and beverages will not be sold or provided at the park. Restrooms will be available.

All park rules will be enforced including no alcohol, smoking, or grills.

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

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 and Lay Park are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday hours are 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. 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.