Holiday Hours

Department parks and facilities will be closed Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Facilities and parks will re-open Friday, December 26 with regular hours of operation.

Department facilities will also be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 and all park grounds will operate under reduced hours of 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Regular hours of operation for all parks and facilities will resume Friday, January 2, 2026.

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

Time to Renew

It is time to renew your ACCGov Leisure Services Department's scholarship.

The scholarship program is for qualifying Athens-Clarke County residents under the age of 18.

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.

Those who wish to use the scholarship when registering for summer camp, must apply by February 27 to guarantee that the scholarship is applied to the account in time for camp registration.

Scholarships must be applied for in person. Scholarships are issued at 25%, 50%, and 75% levels. There is a $400 annual cap in scholarship funds per child.

Requirements for documentation include a recent utility bill (last 90 days), the most recent IRS Tax Form 1040 (with children listed), and a valid photo ID.

Those individuals who have not created an online registration account, may do so at www.accgov.com/myrec. This needs to be done prior to applying for the scholarship so that the scholarship can be credited to the account.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800 or visit www.accgov.com/scholarship

"First Day Hike"

Get the year off on the right foot!

Join staff for a New Years Day hike at Ben Burton Park. Make sure you have clothing for the weather, comfortable shoes, and water.

Participants must wear closed toed shoes for hiking.

This program is for ages 8 years and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
"First Day Hike" is scheduled for Thursday, January 1 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. and is free of charge.
Online registration is underway.

For more information, please call 706-410-4525.

MLK Day of Service

Athenians are invited to honor Dr. King's legacy at the annual Athens-Clarke County Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026.

In 1994, Congress made the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday an official day of service. Athens-Clarke County is one of the thousands of cities across the United States that decides to make the holiday "A Day On and Not a Day Off.”

This year’s kick-off celebration will take place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Lay Park Gymnasium (297 Hoyt Street). The first 400 registered volunteers at the kick-off will receive a free t-shirt, and light morning refreshments will be served.

Following the kick-off from 10:00 a.m. to noon, more than 30 community organizations, government agencies, cemeteries, and schools will host volunteer service projects. Participating organizations include Acceptance Recovery Center, the Athens Community Council on Aging, Books for Keeps, Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, Historic Athens, Project Safe, the YWCO, and more.

Online volunteer registration is underway and closes at noon on Friday, January 16, 2026. Limited day-of registration will be available at the kick-off event.

For more information, visit www.accgov.com/mlkday or email athensgamlkday@gmail.com

"Seams to Be" at the Lyndon House Arts Center

Athenians are invited to honor Dr. King's legacy at the annual Athens-Clarke County Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026.

In 1994, Congress made the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday an official day of service. Athens-Clarke County is one of the thousands of cities across the United States that decides to make the holiday "A Day On and Not a Day Off.”

This year’s kick-off celebration will take place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Lay Park Gymnasium (297 Hoyt Street). The first 400 registered volunteers at the kick-off will receive a free t-shirt, and light morning refreshments will be served.

Following the kick-off from 10:00 a.m. to noon, more than 30 community organizations, government agencies, cemeteries, and schools will host volunteer service projects. Participating organizations include Acceptance Recovery Center, the Athens Community Council on Aging, Books for Keeps, Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, Historic Athens, Project Safe, the YWCO, and more.

Online volunteer registration is underway and closes at noon on Friday, January 16, 2026. Limited day-of registration will be available at the kick-off event.

For more information, visit www.accgov.com/mlkday or email athensgamlkday@gmail.com

"Rollin' thru the Classic City: Social Skate Night"

Join staff for a fun and friendly skate program for all ages and skill levels!

Participants will enjoy the beautiful Firefly Trail or North Oconee River Greenway together, sharing good vibes, building skills, and making new friends.

Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced skater, all wheels are welcome. This free program is set for Thursday, January 8 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Online registration is underway.

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

Park Locator - Try it Today!

There is now an easier way to find Leisure Services Department parks and facilities through the interactive Park Locator: accgov.com/parklocator

Use the filter button on the left to choose your amenity then your options across the community will appear. You can also click the green tree icon to find department parks and facilities while the purple building icon denotes facilities.

Additional information on Athens Transit access and even the number of parking spaces is included.

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