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Holiday Fun!

The Leisure Services Department announces the inaugural “Light Up Athens” in downtown Athens!

This holiday program will light up downtown Athens storefronts with lights and decorations. Event activities will take place the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Lights will be illuminated each night in December.

Activities include holiday character appearances, official Santa’s Mailbox for children to drop off their wish lists, music, and S"elfie"Spots.

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Firefly Trail Expansion

The Leisure Services Department will host a series of public information open houses regarding proposed plans for the extension of the Firefly Trail from Hancock Road to Moores Grove Road in Winterville (SPLOST 2018 Project #6 Sub-Project #3). The design team will provide information regarding the three proposed alternate alignments in the Oakmont Subdivision area at the online informational open house. Staff will discuss the preliminary plans for each proposed alternate alignment and the project timeline.

Two in-person drop-in sessions are scheduled for Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. and Thursday, December 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. These informational sessions will take place at the Pittard Park main picnic shelter at 115 Parkview Road in Winterville. Attendees are reminded to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings. Time limits may be imposed based on number of attendees.

For more information, please visit the Department’s Park Planning website at www.accgov.com/LeisureServicesListens for the latest information regarding this project, email park.planning@accgov.com, or call 706-613-3801.

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.

Tis the Season

The Leisure Services Department will host a free “Movies by Moonlight Drive in Movie” holiday double feature at Sandy Creek Park on Sunday, December 20. The community is invited to celebrate the holiday season with these seasonal favorites on the large inflatable screen.
The family favorite “Elf” will be shown at 6:00 p.m. Check in will begin at 5:00 p.m. Cars must be in the park by 5:45 p.m. to ensure a safe and positive movie experience for all movie goers. The second film is the holiday classic “Christmas Vacation.” It will be shown at 8:30 p.m. Those movie goers only attending the second film must arrive by 7:45 p.m.

One ticket per vehicle is required. Patrons may register to attend one or both films. Tickets are limited to 100 vehicles and are available online from Saturday, December 5 at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, December 19 at midnight, or until all tickets are reserved. 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.

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 reminded 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.

Additionally, Leisure Services is offering a wide selection of other holiday programming for elves of all ages. Activities include Breakfast with Santa, Cookies with Santa, Deck the Hollow, Gingerbread Workshop, and much more! Complete information is available at www.accgov.com/holidayevents

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

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Park and Facility Update

All Department parks and facilities continue to operate .All Department parks and facilities continue to operate under restricted use and limited public access. The following restrictions are in effect for the immediate future:

• Athletic fields and gymnasiums are open. Athletic leagues can participate in internal scrimmages (no out of county teams can participate).

• Basketball, pickleball, tennis, and volleyball courts as well as playgrounds are open. Dog park access is limited. Bear Hollow Zoo is open.

• Morton Theatre remains closed.

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.