The Athens-Clarke County
Leisure Services Department's

E-Newsletter

"Sandy Creek Hootenanny" Planned

Come gather ‘round the fire with your instrument and play along to campfire classics at this casual open jam session.

All skill levels and abilities are welcome, whether you want to sing, play, or just clap along to the music!

The inaugural "Sandy Creek Hootenany" is set for Sunday, November 16
from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park. This program is free of charge, however the $2 per person park admission is still in effect. Online registration is encouraged.

For more information, please call 706-613-3631.

In the Stars...

Mindful planetarium is a time for adults to unwind. No cell phones, no talking, and no children.

Coffee and tea will be served before and after the mindful time. Attendees will spend time listening to music and watching the night sky. Put away your phones, turn off your voices, and spend quiet time in the planetarium

This planetarium program is for adults. The information presented is aimed at older audiences.

This program, for ages 18 and older, is scheduled for Saturday, November 22 from 4:00 -4:45 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center's Planetarium. The fee is $5 per person. Online registration is underway.

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

Community Centers to Temporarily Close

The Heard Park Community Center, located at 400 McKinley Drive, and Lay Park, located at 297 Hoyt Street, will temporarily close for annual maintenance to the gymnasium floors.

The centers will close starting Saturday, November 22 and will re-open Monday, December 1 at 8:00 a.m. The centers will be closed to the public due to the dust and heavy chemical odors generated while the floors are sanded and new finish is applied.

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

Downtown Parade of Lights Set for December 4

It's time! The Downtown Parade of Lights is less than a month away!

Annually, more than 80 entries including floats and performing units, compete for such prizes as “Most Original Float,” “Best Use of Theme,“ “Best Performance,” and “Best Use of Lights.” The best overall float receives the “Mayor’s Award.”

This year’s theme is “Cooking up a Great Holiday.”

The parade begins on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street ending in front of the stage at City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony.

The Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is coordinated by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department. It is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority.

Parade information and application forms can be found at
www.accgov.com/parade or by contacting Leisure Services at 706-613-3800 or paradeoflights@accgov.com

"Wonder: Susan Perry"

at the Lyndon House

Susan Perry’s small-scale sculptures, composed of handmade paper and bamboo, possess a lightness of form and visible armature inspired by traditional Chinese kites.

These contemporary works, while not intended to fly high above the earth, still hum with the potential for movement. Evoking a bird’s nest, their bamboo frameworks are delicate and hollow, like the bones of their imagined inhabitants. The sculptures suggest they were assembled from materials gathered on a ramble through nature while simultaneously exhibiting a sophisticated calligraphic elegance. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy wabi-sabi, Perry embraces imperfection and transience as a connection to nature, creating airy objects that both lift and ground the viewer.

"Wonder: Susan Perry" exhibition is on view through December 6. All exhibitions at Lyndon House Arts Center 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. The Lyndon House Arts Center is closed on Saturdays when there is a University of Georgia home football game.

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

Winter Program Online Registration Continues

Registration is underway for winter program opportunities for 2025-2026.

A diverse selection highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events are planned for adults and children.

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.

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

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, call 706- 613-3800.

Thanksgiving Week Camp

The Leisure Services Department will host Gobble, Gobble, Gobble Adventure at Howard Park later this month.

A fun-filled day off school packed with games, crafts, and festive fall activities is planned. Get ready for a day of laughter, creativity, and Thanksgiving-themed adventures.

This program is scheduled for Monday, November 24 - Wednesday, November 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 4;00 p.m. This program, for ages 6-12, is $45 for ACC residents and $67.50 for non-residents.

Online registration is underway.

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

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Leisure Services Department facilities and parks will be closed Thursday, November 27 in observance of Thanksgiving. Parks are open 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, but buildings will remain closed.

All facilities and parks will reopen Saturday, November 29 under regular hours of operation.

For more information, 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