"Bring Back Your Backyard: Invasives" Program at

Ben Burton Park

Learn more about Athens' most unwanted yard guests and how you can safely and effectively evict them.

Staff will discuss what an invasive species is, why they aren't the best yard plants, and how to identify some of the most common invasives in Athens. Then staff will offer up some practical ways to treat and remove them from your yard.

"Bring Back Your Backyard: Invasives" is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 from 10:00 a.m. - noon at Ben Burton Park. This program is free of charge. Online registration is underway.

Participants must wear closed toed shoes and clothes for yard work. This program is for ages 15 years and older. Those younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, please call 762-400-7759.

Microchip Scanning Stations

Found a stray pet and want to help get them home? Athens-Clarke County now has *24 hour* microchip scanning stations at area dog parks.

Visit Memorial Park Dog Park or Southeast Clarke Park Dog park to scan a pup or cat and (hopefully) connect with their owner. Instructions for use are on the signs at each station.

Next step: making sure pets are microchipped and contact information is up-to-date.

Schedule Your Audition

Athens Creative Theatre will hold auditions for “ACT’s Got Talent” on Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24. Auditions for Talent will be from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and auditions for those interested in being a host are from 3:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at Quinn Hall at Memorial Park. The show date is Friday, November 7 at Morton Theatre located in downtown Athens.

Athens Creative Theatre presents a brand-new showcase that celebrates the wide range of talents in our community. “ACT’s Got Talent” will bring together performers of all ages and backgrounds, each stepping into the spotlight to share their unique skills. From singers and dancers to comedians, musicians, magicians, and more—every act has a story to tell and a moment to shine. Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, courage, and community spirit as we discover the incredible talents that make Athens extraordinary.

Auditions take place at Quinn Hall at Memorial Park located at 293 Gran Ellen Drive. Those interested in auditioning should call 706-613-3628 or email act@accgov.com to schedule an appointment.

Ahoy!

Talk Like a Pirate Day is officially September 19, but Sandy Creek Nature Center is celebrating it a little later.

"Open House: Talk Like a Pirate Day", is set for Thursday, September 20 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center and is for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Join in on fun activities, meet live animals, and explore outside as we enjoy a silly, nature day.

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

Scary Fun!

Have a ghoulish time with all of the Halloween events scheduled this fall!

Yoga in the Park

Unwind and reconnect with nature in our Sunset Yoga class at Dudley Park. This will be a calming, all-levels practice set, against the beauty of the setting sun.

This 60-minute session blends gentle flows, mindful breathwork, and deep stretching to help relieve the stress of the day.

This program is for ages 12 years and older and is scheduled for Friday, September 26 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Dudley Park. The fee is $5 for ACC residents and $7 for non-residents. Online registration is underway.

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

Karate at Heard Park

Are you interested in developing your physical, emotional, and mental capabilities? Do you have a strong work ethic and a desire to learn self-defense techniques? Karate is for you!

This free program takes Mondays and Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m at Heard Park and Community Center. Participants will develop discipline, confidence, and focus while learning the ancient martial art of karate. Classes are led by experienced and qualified instructors who will provide the basics of Karate, including strikes, kicks, and defensive techniques.

By participating in this program, participants will not only improve their physical fitness but also gain valuable life skills that can be applied to all areas of one's life. These classes provide a supportive and encouraging environment that fosters personal growth and self-improvement.

Youth participants must be 13 years old to register for this Karate program. Schedule subject to change without notice. Online registration is underway.

For more information, please call 706-613-3593.

Art Work Professional Development Workshop

Artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs are invited to join the next Art Work Professional Development Workshop featuring Amy Flurry, nationally recognized speaker, DIY PR expert, and author of Recipe for Press.

The free workshop, How to Get Your Small Business and Brand Published on Your Own, will take place on Tuesday, October 7 at the Lyndon House Arts Center

Flurry will share insider tips on getting your work “media ready,” including how to pitch ideas and products, what to avoid when seeking press, and the do’s and don’ts of editorial etiquette. With years of experience as a brand advisor and as co-founder of Aloka Home and Paper-Cut Project, Flurry brings practical strategies for creative professionals.

Networking will take place 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. followed by the workshop from 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

The Art Work series is a collaboration between the Lyndon House Arts Center, Didi Dunphy Studios, and Invest Athens (Athens-Clarke County Economic Development). Each free workshop is designed to give Athens-based artists and creative professionals the tools they need to grow their businesses and thrive in today’s creative economy.

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, 2023

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department

205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607

www.accgov.com/leisure

706-613-3800