The Athens-Clarke County
Leisure Services Department's

E-Newsletter

Congratulations!

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department was recently honored by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) with awards recognizing outstanding achievement.

In recognition of their years of services, Sandy Creek Nature Center Trail Guides, received the District 7 and State of Georgia Volunteer Awards. The Trail Guide program began more than 50 years ago and provide support for school field trips by leading nature hikes to thousands of school children each year.

The Leisure Services Department was honored with the GRPA District 7 “Agency of the Year” award for populations 80,000 and larger. This honor recognizes outstanding programs and accomplishments during the past year. This award is particularly significant because it is voted on by Recreation professionals.

Review the list of Department awards earned since 2000.

Downtown Parade of Lights Set for December 4

It's time! The Downtown Parade of Lights is coming up!

This year more than 80 entries including floats and performing units, will 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

Proposed Historic Landmark Designation Open House

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Department will host an open house regarding the proposed historic landmark designation for the Fairhaven Tuberculosis Building, currently the Memorial Park Administration Offices.

This gathering is scheduled for Thursday, December 4 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.in the Memorial Park Recreation Hall.

The Fairhaven Sanitarium was built in1925 and opened the following year. The designation should be just be in time for the 100th anniversary.

For more information, please call 706-613-3515.

"Thurgood"

at the Morton Theatre

The Athens Area Paine College Club presents "Thurgood" at the Morton Theatre.

Armed with the US Constitution, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall devoted his life to championing justice and equality for all people. This biographical play spans his remarkable 58-year career while highlighting his warmth and sharp wit.

This production is a powerful tour-de-force about Marshall’s transformative journey from his early days as a young lawyer, upending the landmark “separate but equal” decision, to his time serving on the highest court in the nation. "Thurgood" is an inspiring tribute to a real American hero who embodied courage, integrity, and determination.

Show times are Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased online.

For more information, please call 706-613-3771.

Holiday Events in December

Celebrate the holidays with Leisure Services!

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

"Movies by Moonlight"

at Sandy Creek Park

The Leisure Services Department will host “Movies by Moonlight,” presented on Friday, December 19 at 6:00 p.m.at Sandy Creek Park.

Celebrate the holidays featuring the 2018 film, "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch." Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy classic holiday favorites on the lawn.

Warm up with s'mores around the fire and get ready for the holidays!

Free park admission to the event starts at 5:15 p.m. The screening is also free of charge. Staffed fire pits will allow attendees to make a complimentary s’more. Hot drinks will also be available for free. No other food will be available on-site.

Upon arrival, patrons will be directed to the movie viewing area. Restrooms will be available. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Registration is not required. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, lawn chairs, or blankets and will sit on the field to watch the films on the large inflatable screen.

All park rules will be enforced, including dogs always on leash, no alcohol, smoking, or grills.

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

Playground Replacement

The small playground, near the concession stand, on the Lexington Road side of Southeast Clarke Park is being replaced!

The playground is now closed and will remain so for approximately three weeks. The new playground will include several new features, such as swings and shade umbrellas.

Please remember the World of Wonder Playground, located on the Whit Davis Road side of the park, remains open and unaffected by this construction.

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

Winter Program Online Registration Continues

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

A 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.

Become a Volunteer Coach

The Leisure Services Department is now recruiting volunteer basketball coaches for the upcoming season.

Get off the bench and into the game! The season runs December 2025 – February 2026.

For more information, please email tamika.drake@accgov.com

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