FY23 Annual Report:

Read All About it!

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department's FY23 Annual Report is now available!

Take a moment and read about the past year's highlights and accomplishments.

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.

Tell Us What You Think!

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

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..

No School? No Problem?

When school is out, Leisure Services is in!

The Department has a selection of day off school programs and holiday mini camps for those days when class is not in session this fall!
Online registration is underway and space is limited.

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

"Beginner Guitar Club"

at Lay Park

Let's pick-up the guitar and start with the basics!

Beginner Guitar Club is centered around learning the fundamentals of guitar and meeting others interested in playing as well.

There is Youth Guitar and Teen Guitar program offered on Mondays, beginning September 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Online registration is underway.

For more information, please call 706-613-3596.

Save the Date! Above Athens Balloon Festival

The Leisure Services Department will host the Above Athens Hot Air Balloon Festival on Saturday, September 30 from 3:00 p.m. until approximately 8:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park. The event will conclude with a beautiful balloon glow after the sun sets.

Participants will have the opportunity to see these majestic balloons up close and kids can even explore the inside of a balloon! Other highlights of the event include tethered balloon rides, food trucks, and free children's activities.

There is no admission fee for the event or park. Pets are not allowed at this event.

Tethered balloon rides will be available for $25 per person (cash only) and are paid directly to the balloonist. Rides are subject to weather conditions. All individuals who enter the balloon area must sign a waiver.

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

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