Memorial Park Public Input Sessions Planned

The Leisure Services Department is seeking public comment on upcoming improvements to Memorial Park’s pedestrian and vehicle access, stormwater structures, and pond area through Sunday, September 3.

A story map of options, a virtual presentation, and an online survey are available at www.accgov.com/memorial

Residents will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on the improvements at two drop-in sessions on Saturday, August 12 from 9:00 to 11:30 AM at the Memorial Park picnic shelter #2 and the Bear Hollow Zoo entrance within Memorial Park which is located at 293 Gran Ellen Drive. Staff will be on site to answer questions.

The Memorial Park Improvements Project is designated as SPLOST 2020 Project #16 and is tasked with critical renovations and facility upgrades for Memorial Park. The budget is approximately $5.8 million and will fund specific projects as approved by the Mayor and Commission. The general project location is Memorial Park but does not include Bear Hollow Zoo, Birchmore Trail or the dog park.

The primary focus of the Memorial Park Improvements Project is to replace failed stormwater structures hindering the park's ability to function. An increase in development around the park has increased stormwater flow, overloading the pond's capacity.

The pond and forebay – a small pool designed to slow incoming stormwater and allow sediment to settle before reaching the larger pond – now require dredging, re-engineering, and significant repairs. Related stormwater pipes, inlets, basins and other features also need to be partially or completely replaced to function properly. These issues impact not only the park but surrounding neighborhoods as well.

In addition to pond and forebay reconstruction, significant repairs to the pondside drive are needed to address stormwater and vehicular-pedestrian circulation issues throughout the park.

For more information, please visit www.accgov.com/memorial or call 706-613-3801.

Fall Program Online Registration Continues

The Leisure Services Department continues registration for its fall activity opportunities for 2023 featuring a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events for adults and children.

Programs include art classes, dance, gymnastics, homeschool activities, nature programs, preschool activities, sports, theatre, and special holiday events.

Registration will continue until activities are at full enrollment or they begin.

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

Individuals with expired scholarships and new scholarship applicants must visit a Leisure Services Department facility office at least five business days prior to registering for a program. Scholarships must be applied for in person. Information regarding the scholarship activity, including required documentation, is available at www.accgov.com/scholarship

Individuals who do not have access to a computer or smart phone may register online using a public computer at Heard Park 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.

"Introduction to Sustainable Trails" Workshop Planned

Interested in how to site, build, and maintain a pedestrian natural surface trail? Curious about the tools and techniques we use to build the trails you enjoy? Just want to get your hands dirty in the woods on a Saturday?

Join Trails and Open Space staff for this family friendly workshop! Learn all the basics of safe tool usage and trail construction in this fun, hands-on two-hour session.

Introduction to Sustainable Trails Workshop is for ages 13 and older and is scheduled for Saturday, August 19 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. The workshop takes place at Sandy Creek Nature Center.

Online registration is required.

For more information, please call 706-613-3620.

"Movies by Moonlight" at Dudley Park

The Leisure Services Department will host a free “Movies by Moonlight” outdoor movie on Saturday, August 19 at 8:30 p.m. at Dudley Park located at 100 Dudley Park Road.

The event features the 1987 film “The Princess Bride” and will be presented in the earthen amphitheater adjacent to the restroom building near the Firefly Trail.

Registration is not required. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and will sit on the ground to watch the film on the large inflatable screen. Food and beverages will not be sold or provided at the park. Restrooms and water fountains will be available until the end of the screening.

Patrons can ride bikes or walk to the viewing area which is accessible from the Firefly Trail and Greenway Trail. Parking can also be utilized at both Dudley Park parking lots: 286 South Poplar Street and 1170 East Broad Street.

All park rules will be enforced, including dogs always on leash, no alcohol, no smoking, and no grills/cooking.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800

Walker Park Splash Pad

Open Weekends Only

The Walker Park Splash Pad will remains open, weekends only, through August 27.

Splash pad admission is $1 per person, cash only.

For more information, please call the ACCGov Leisure Services Aquatics Office at 706-613-3589 or visit www.accgov.com/pools

Call for Art!

The Lyndon House Arts Center announces a call for artworks for the exhibition "Rescue: Waste and Redemption." The call for artworks ends on September 20, 2023. The exhibition will be on view April 6 – June 1, 2024.

Lyndon House Arts Center and guest curator Lizzie Zucker Saltz seek artists who transform industrial byproducts into artworks or craft objects, creating artworks that save materials from the landfill or rescue raw materials from the fate of becoming environmental pollutants. Artists whose practice involves the use of environmentally conscious processes and materials —including but not limited to fabric art, jewelry, woodworking, metalworks, installation or multi-media constructions – are encouraged to apply for the exhibition titled "Rescue: Waste and Redemption," to be on view April 6 to June 1, 2024.

Submit artwork images online by the September 20, 2023 deadline. There is no entry fee. Artists selected for exhibition are responsible for all shipping/transportation.

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

ACCGov Leisure Services Online Registration

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports,
and holiday events for adults and children.

All registration takes place online at www.accgov.com/myrec .

ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarships

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers scholarship to qualifying Athens-Clarke County children.

Scholarships allow participants to pay less than the program fee.

For more information, including required documentation,
please visit www.accgov.com/scholarships

Georgia Recreation and Park Association

Agency of the Year

Populations: 80,000 - 150,000

2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2019, 2021

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department

205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607

www.accgov.com/leisure

706-613-3800