| Connecting the ACCGov Leisure Servces Department with Local School Children
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Fall Online Registration Continues
The Leisure Services Department announces its fall activity opportunities for 2025.
The selection features a diverse group of activities including:
- Art
- Dance
- Day off School Programs
- Gymnastics
- Nature
- Soccer
- Teen Programs
- Tennis
- Theatre
All registration takes place online at www.accgov.com/myrec Registration will continue until activities are at full enrollment or they begin.
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 a debit card, American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa, or a MasterCard or Visa gift card.
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. Scholarships must be applied for in person. Information regarding the scholarship activity, 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 a public computer at Heard Park Community Center 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.
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"Family Fun Day" at Lay Park
Lay Park will host “Family Fun Day” on Saturday, August 2 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Whether one grew up at Lay Park or are just discovering it, this is the perfect day to connect, celebrate, and enjoy with the whole family.
This event is in celebration of the facility’s 50th anniversary. Lay Park, originally called Central Athens Community Center, opened in 1975, as part of the Model Cities Program. In 1990, the facility was renamed Thomas N. Lay Park in honor of the Superintendent of Recreation for the then City of Athens Parks and Recreation Department. In July, a special plaque was unveiled at the park honoring Mr. Lay.
The community is invited to mark this half a century milestone with an afternoon of activities and engagement. The event will include a dedicated Kids Zone with games and activities, inflatables, public swim, and a DJ. A food truck area will be onsite, as well, with items available for purchase.
Admission is free.
For more information, please call 706-613-3596.
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"Movie by Moonlight" at Dudley Park
The Leisure Services Department will host a free “Movies by Moonlight” outdoor movie on Saturday, August 16 at 8:30 p.m. at Dudley Park.
The event features the 2009 film “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and will be presented in the earthen amphitheater adjacent to the restroom building near the Firefly Trail.
Registration is not required. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and will sit on the ground to watch the film on the large inflatable screen. Food and beverages will not be sold or provided at the park. Restrooms and water fountains will be available until the end of the screening.
Patrons can ride bikes or walk to the viewing area which is accessible from the Firefly Trail and Greenway Trail. Parking can also be utilized at both Dudley Park parking lots; 286 South Poplar Street and 1170 East Broad Street.
All park rules will be enforced, including; dogs always on leash, no alcohol, no smoking, and no grills/cooking. The park will close at the end of the movie presentation.
For more information, please call 706-613-3800.
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Out of this World!
Join Sandy Creek Nature Center staff for a planetarium program in the Sky Center.
Everyone will journey through the night sky, exploring the great beyond.
The program is scheduled for Saturday, August 16 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. The theme is "Cookies in Space." How many Apollo Missions were there? How could you survive if you crash onto the moon? How exactly does a Solar Oven on Earth work compared to cooking in space? Enjoy a cookie while you watch items bake in a solar oven!
The fee is $5 for ACC residents and $7.50 for non-residents. This program is not scholarship eligible. Online registration is underway.
For more information, please call 706-613-3615.
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"No Drop Social Ride" at Dudley Park
Looking for a ride with no road riding? This is the group ride for you! Every month we will ride sections of the North Oconee River Greenway and/or Firefly Trail.
This is a leisurely-paced, no drop ride. This ride is perfect for beginners, or those looking to build their confidence to ride more frequently. All abilities are welcome. Bring your own bike and helmet.
For more information, please call 706-613-3620.
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"Guitar Club"at Lay Park
Let's pick-up the guitar and start with the basics at Lay Park!
"Guitar Club" is centered around learning the fundamentals of guitar and meeting others interested in playing as well. The program is divided into "Youth Guitar Club" for ages 8-11 years of age and "Teen Guitar Club" for ages 12-17 years.
The sessions take place Mondays, September 8 - October 27 at 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. based on age group. Online registration is underway.
For more information, please call 706-613-3589.
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2025 Athens Water Festival at Sandy Creek Park
One of the best family-friendly events in Athens is right around the corner!
Join us for the annual Athens Water Festival on Saturday, September 6 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park. The Festival is free, however there is the $2 per person park entry fee.
This year's theme is Super Mario. Water is your quest during this day filled with power-up splash zones, watery obstacle courses, and more. Whether you're playing games, creating art, making bubbles, or watching the magic show, there's something for every player - young or old! Bring a bathing suit to run through the spray of the water trucks and swim in Lake Chapman.
For more information, please call 706-613-3729.
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Parrots Optional
This free program is scheduled for Saturday, September 20 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join staff for fun activities, meet live animals, and explore outside as we enjoy a silly, nature day.
This program is for ages six years and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Online registration is not required.
For more information, please call 706-613-3615.
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Free Afterschool Progams
The Leisure Services Department will resume its afterschool programs at their three community centers:
- Lay Park begins August 18, 2025
- Heard and Howard Parks begin on September 9, 2025.
Lay Park, located at 297 Hoyt Street, Heard Park at 400 McKinley Drive, and Howard Park at 293 Henderson Ext, all offer free afterschool programs daily from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Participants receive one on one homework help during the school week from University of Georgia volunteers. Additional activities include recreational activities, computer access, and arts and crafts. Check with your child’s school to see if bus transportation to the center is available. Parents are responsible for picking up their child each day.
For more information, please visit www.accgov.com/myrec
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"Day off School" Programs on CCSD Holidays
When school is out, ACC Leisure Services' is in! The Department offers a variety of themed camps and activities to keep kids entertained while Clarke County School District is not in session.
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Fall Events
It's time for Halloween and Fall events.
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ACCGov Activities and Online RegistrationThe 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
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ACCGov Leisure Services ScholarshipsThe Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers scholarship to qualifying Athens-Clarke County children. Scholarships allow participants to pay less than the program fee.
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