The Athens-Clarke County
Leisure Services Department's

E-Newsletter

"Flight of the Fireflies" Lantern Parade Set for

March 8 at Dudley Park

The Leisure Services Department will present the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade on Saturday, March 8 at Dudley Park.

Participants are invited to gather in Dudley Park starting at 6:00 p.m. with the parade stepping off just after 8:00 p.m. Find out more information and meet friends and families at any of the four color-coded entry points at www.accgov.com/lanternparade

The community is invited to light up the winding paths to Dudley Park together! This parade is open to families, individuals, school, neighborhood groups, and organizations who are all encouraged to participate. Bring lanterns, flashlights, your imagination, and join in the parade. Along the way, and at the center of Dudley Park, participants with enjoy live music, fantastical performers, and large-scale illuminated sculptures. On the night of the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade, each access point to Dudley Park will be color-coded and staffed with volunteers to help you find your way.

DIY lanterns are encouraged. Any portable light source powered by battery, solar, or other flameless light is welcomed.

The 2024 Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade was recognized with the Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s Programming Network Outstanding Special Event Award.

For more information, please call 706-548-1865.

"Bagels and Birds" at

Sandy Creek Nature Center

Join a local Audubon member in this exciting birding class for beginners.

"Bagels and Birds" Beginning Birding is scheduled for Saturday, March 8 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center.

Attendees will spend the morning learning how to identify birds by sight and sound while enjoying coffee and bagels. Then venture outside to slowly hike around the pond and trails to put our knowledge to use.

This program is for ages 18 and older. The fee is $10 for ACC residents and $15 for non-residents. Online registration is underway.

For more information, please call Sandy Creek Nature Center at 706-613-3615.

Grab Your Paintbrush!

Need to plan a family night or fun date?! Register for "Paint Night" at Lay Park!

Painters will be given an example of what to paint and their own canvas to create their work of art. This is open to participants of all artistic abilities looking to have a great time! Materials included.

This program, scheduled for Friday, March 7, is for all ages. Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult. "Paint Night" takes place from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The fee is $10 ACC resident and $15 for non-resident. Online registration is underway with limited spaces.

For more information, please call 706-613-3596

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Coming up at Quinn Hall

Athens Creative Theatre (ACT) presents Ken Ludwig’s “The Game’s Afoot” at Quinn Hall Thursday, March 6 through Saturday, March 8 2025 at Quinn Hall at Memorial Park.

It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop on this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

Show times are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale online by phone at 706-613-3771, or in person at the Morton Theatre Box Office located at 195 W. Washington Street. Box office hours are Mondays through Fridays from noon to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 each.

For more information on tickets, please call the Morton Theatre Box Office at 706-613-3771.

"Storybook Trail" Story Debut at the Nature Center

Sandy Creek Nature Center will host “Storybook Trail Story Debut” on Saturday, March 8 at 2:30 p.m.

This special program features ACCGov Solid Waste Department Director Suki Janssen who will read her book “There Goes the Neighborhood.” She will share her vulture themed inspiration, as well. Everyone is encouraged to stick around for a few “hands on” activities to help learn to better appreciate nature’s clean-up crew.

This program is free of charge and open to all ages. No registration is required.

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

50 Years of Art

The Lyndon House Arts Center (LHAC) is pleased to announce the opening of the 50th Juried Exhibition, marking the 50th anniversary of the LHAC itself .

The show is curated by Michael Rooks, Wieland Family Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the High Museum in Atlanta. The opening reception is Thursday, March 13 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The exhibition is on view through May 10, 2025.

Rooks reviewed 835 works of art submitted by 307 Athens area artists. Of these, Rooks selected 151 works for inclusion. Multiple cash awards selected by the Juror will be announced at the opening reception.

Throughout the run of the exhibition, the LHAC will be hosting "Artist Talks" in the galleries. These will take place Thursdays, April 10, April 17, April 24, and May 1 at 5:30 p.m.
The LHAC would like to thank the Athens area artists who entered their works for review and for the generous and continued support for this anchor community art event.

All exhibitions are free of charge and open to the public. Exhibitions are on view during regular gallery hours Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, please call 706-613-3623

2025 Summer Camp Registration in March

2025 Summer Camp registration begins Saturday, March 15 at 9:00 a.m. for Athens-Clarke County residents. Non-county residents may register starting Monday, March 17 at noon.

Camp information is now online at www.accgov.com/myrec

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

Oakland Cemetery

Adult Day Trip

Step into the past with our Oakland Cemetery tour, where Atlanta’s rich history and legends come to life!

Explore the stunning gardens and ornate monuments, while uncovering fascinating stories of iconic figures who shaped the city's legacy. This one-of-a-kind experience is perfect for history lovers and adventure seekers looking for a soulful glimpse into Atlanta's vibrant past!

This day trip is for ages 18 and older and will take place Thursday, March 13. The group departs Howard Park at 9:00 a.m. and returns at approximately 5:00 p.m. The fee is $15 for ACC residents and $22.50 for non-residents. Online registration is underway.

For more information, please call 706-613-3602.

Summer Jobs

The Leisure Services Department is now hiring more than 100 summer positions. Applications are currently being accepted for camp counselors, counselors in training, Grand Slam, lifeguards, and pool clerks.

Pay ranges from $15.60 to $17 per hour.

Applicants may apply online at www.accgov.com/jobs

For more information, call 706-613-3090.

Spring Online Registration

is Underway

The Leisure Services Department continues spring program registration at www.accgov.com/myrec

A diverse selection highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events are planned for adults and children and are highlighted in the department's Spring 2025 Program Guide.

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 an American Express, debit card, Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa, or a MasterCard or Visa gift card.

Online registration continues at www.accgov.com/myrec.

New scholarship applicants and individuals with expired scholarships must visit a Leisure Services Department facility office to apply for a scholarship or to renew an expired one at least five business days prior to registering for a program. Scholarships may not be applied for online. Information regarding scholarship program changes, 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 the computer labs at Heard Park at 400 McKinley Dr., Lay Park at 297 Hoyt St., or Howard Park at 291 Henderson Ext. during regular hours of operation.

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

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, 2023

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department

205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607

www.accgov.com/leisure

706-613-3800