"Bat Night" at

Sandy Creek Nature Center

Learn about bat biology and how researchers survey for these nocturnal animals with Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

This interactive program will include a short seminar on bat biology, Q&A with DNR staff, and a demonstration of mist-net and acoustic survey techniques. Flash photography of animals is allowed at DNR staff discretion; participants will not be permitted to handle bats.

Bat Night is scheduled for Friday, September 8 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center. This program is for ages 18 and older. The fee is $3 for ACC residents and $5 for non-residents. Online registration is required by September 7. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on outside, a water bottle and anything else you need for being outdoors.

For more information, please call 706-613-3615.

"Athens Water Festival" at Sandy Creek Park

It's back! The annual Athens Water Festival at Sandy Creek Park! .

Get fired up and make a splash learning about the elements in your life. With water games, a magic show, and interactive activities, it is fun for the whole family. This special event is scheduled for Saturday, September 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The Festival is free, however there is the $2 per person park entry fee. Bring a refillable water bottle and a swimsuit.

Learn more at www.AthensWaterFestival.com

For more information, please call 706-613-3729.

More Parking!

Great news! Dudley Park, at 100 Dudley Park Road, has 50 new parking spaces!

Parking is three hours maximum with towing enforced. Spaces might not be available on home UGA football games. Please remember to only park in the green, designated parking places.

As always, Dudley Park and trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset. Get out and enjoy the trails!

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

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.

"Fantastic Friday"

at Bishop Park

Bishop Park offers Fantastic Friday throughout the month of September.

This fun program is open to students 12 months to 4 years of age along with a parent and/or caregiver. The fee is $7.50 for Athens-Clarke County residents and $12.25 for non-residents.

Come in and enjoy our facility in a relaxed, clean and exploratory environment every Friday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. An instructor supervises the fun while a parent and/or caregiver lead their little ones through amazing obstacle courses. A parent or caregiver must remain with the child at all times.

Online registration is required. Walk in registration is not accepted.

For more information, please call 706-613-3589.

"Above Athens

Hot Air Balloon Festival"

Set for September 30

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 .

The "Amazing Acro-Cats" Amuse in Athens

The Amazing Acro-Cats, featured in the Netflix series Cat People, are returning to Athens, Georgia!

This special show takes place Saturday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Morton Theatre. Tickets are available online.

This troupe of trained domestic house cats, all former orphans, rescues, and strays, give a one-of-a-kind purrformance that includes cats riding skateboards, jumping through hoops, ringing bells, balancing on balls, and performing other feats of agility and entertainment. The show finale is the only all-cat band in the world: Tuna and the Rock Cats. The Rock Cats play guitar, drums, and piano, and they've been joined by the Jazz Cats on saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet.

The Acro-Cats tour to support Rock Cats Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Rock Cats Rescue is focused on saving cats "One Click at a Time" through cat welfare, rescue, and adoption. The Acro-Cats show promotes the importance of bonding and training cats with positive reinforcement, while also finding homes for rescued cats. Rock Cats Rescue has found homes for 320 kittens since 2009.

In addition to being on Cat People, the Amazing Acro-Cats have been featured on national TV shows including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl, CBS News Sunday Morning, and PBS Nova's Cat Tales.

For more information, please call 706-613-3770.

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