| Connecting the ACCGov Leisure Servces Department with Local School Children
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Fall Online Begins August 1
The Leisure Services Department announces its fall activity opportunities for 2026.
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. Athens-Clarke County residents may register starting Saturday, August 1 at 9:00 a.m. Non-residents may register starting Monday, August 3 at noon.
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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"Friday Night Paddle" at Sandy Creek Park
Explore Lake Chapman after dark! Bring your own boat or use one of the park's single or tandem kayaks for a fun moonlit paddle.
The Friday Night Paddle is set for Friday, August 21 from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. The fee is $10 for ACC residents and $15 for non-residents.
For more information, please call 706-613-3631.
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Extended Aquatics Hours
Enjoy the pool and splash pad in August!
The 2026 extended season will include the Bishop Park Pool and Walker Park Splash Pad operating daily until August 4 when the Clarke County School District begins its school year.
The Bishop Park pool will have extended hours Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31 from 12:30 - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 1 through Tuesday, August 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.. Afterwards, the pool will be open weekends only, Saturday, August 8 through September 7 (Labor Day) from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The Walker Park Splash Pad will be open be Saturday, August 1 through Tuesday, August 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.. Afterwards the splash pad will be open weekends only, Saturday, August 8 through September 7 (Labor Day). Splash pad hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Admission is $1 per person.
For more information, please call 706-613-3589.
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"Friendship Day" Open House at Sandy Creek Nature Center
In honor of Sandy Creek Nature Center's nonprofit name change, a free open house event is planned!
Attend the Friendship Open House on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. - noon. at Sandy Creek Nature Center. There will be activities and crafts. Kona Ice will be stationed onsite. Dr. Maurice Snook will have trains on hand.
This event is free of charge and is for all ages.
For more information, please call 706-613-3615.
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"Pollinator Blitz" at Sandy Creek Nature Center
Participants will count how many different species of insects visit a particular flower in 15 minutes. Staff will share resources to make your home more pollinator friendly and have a few activity stations.
This free program is set for Saturday, August 22 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center. All ages are welcome, however, children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration not required.
For more information, please call 706-613-3615.
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"Day off School" Programs Plannedfor CCSD Holidays
When school is out, ACCGov Leisure Services is in! The Department offers a variety of themed camps and activities to keep kids busy while the Clarke County School District is not in session.
For more information, please call 706-613-3800.
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Free Afterschool Progams
Leisure Services will resume its afterschool programs at department's three community centers:
- Lay Park begins later in August.
- Heard and Howard Parks begins Tuesday, September 8
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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Fall Events
The Leisure Services Department has a variety of events planned for the fall:
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2026 Athens Water Festival at Sandy Creek Park
One of the best family-friendly events in Athens is right around the corner! The Athens Water Festival is back this September, and this time it’s totally tubular. Come kick it with us on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park. The festival is free, however there is the $2 per person park entry fee.
Expect a day full of wicked splash zones and watery obstacle courses. Games, bubbles, a magic show – there’s something for dudes and dudettes of all ages. Don’t forget your water bottle and a bathing suit for playing in the spray of the water trucks.
For more information, please call 706-613-3729.
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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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