| Connecting the ACCGov Leisure Servces Department with Local School Children
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Summer Camp Open Houses Planned
The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department will host summer camp open houses. These gatherings are scheduled for
Thursday, February 19 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Park at 293 Gran Ellen Drive
Saturday, February 21 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Heard Park 400 McKinley Drive
Wednesday, February 25 from noon – 4:00 p.m. at Lyndon House Arts Center at 293 Hoyt Street.
All open house locations have free parking and are on the Athens Transit bus line.
Staff will be on site to provide information on Department camp details, including art camps, day camps, gymnastics camps, mini camps, sports camps, theatre camps, and more. Staff will be able to assist with creating an online registration account. Additionally, staff will be available to process scholarship applications on site. Potential scholarship applicants are reminded to bring the required documentation including a utility bill from the last 90 days, a valid photo ID, and their most recent federal tax return with the children listed. Leisure Services scholarships are only available for qualifying Athens-Clarke County residents under the age of 18.
Summer camp online registration begins Saturday, March 14 at 9:00 a.m. for Athens-Clarke County residents. Non-residents may register beginning Monday, March 16 at noon. Online registration will take place at www.accgov.com/myrec
For more information, please call 706-613-CAMP.
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Frog Hop 5K
The Friends of Sandy Creek Nature Center present the 27th Annual Frog Hop 5K Road Race on Sunday, February 15, 2026
Make plans to run or walk this 5K and 1 mile Tadpole Fun Run. The Tadpole Fun Run starts at 2:00 p.m., with the challenging 5K Frog Hop starting at 2:30 p.m. Both events take place at Sandy Creek Nature Center at 205 Old Commerce Road.
This event benefits Friends of Sandy Creek Nature Center, formerly Sandy Creek Nature Center Inc., the non-profit support organization that founded the Nature Center more than 50 years ago.
Registration before February 5 is $25 per person and $20 for no-shirt option.
All registrations received after February 5 are $30 per person. T-shirts are not guaranteed after early registration ends.
Race entry forms are available at Sandy Creek Nature Center and online at www.sandycreeknaturecenterinc.org
For more information, please call 762-400-7734.
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Day off School Programs in February
Spend your day out of school with Leisure Services! Online registration is underway. Space is limited.
For more information, please call 706-613-3800.
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How Sweet!
The Leisure Services Department has a variety of Valentine's Day events that everyone will love!
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The East Athens Educational Dance Center
The East Athens Educational Dance Center proudly presents its annual production, Winning: The Champion Within, at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21 and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22 at the Historic Morton Theatre.
Winning the Champion Within celebrates perseverance, excellence, and the inner strength of every dancer, while continuing to honor the legacy of Lois Thomas Ewings.
This performance is a dynamic showcase highlighting the gifted students enrolled in the East Athens Educational Dance Center’s Accelerated Programs. Featuring ballet, modern, tap, African, and contemporary dance, this inspiring production will uplift audiences.
Community and School Day performances are scheduled for Thursday, February 19, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Lanes along West Washington Street across from the Morton Theatre will be closed for school bus parking for both performances. For group tickets to field trip matinee performances, please call 706-613-3624 or email dancecenter@accgov.com.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the show (pending availability). Senior, and Student rates available. Groups of 10 or more are $13 rates. Tickets will go on sale in early February 2026 at www.mortontheatre.com.
For more information, please call 706-613-3771.
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"Women in Science" at Sandy Creek Nature Center
Celebrate the incredible contributions of women in science at our upcoming event at the Nature Center! Join staff for an inspiring program that highlights the stories and achievements of women who have shaped the fields of biology, ecology, astronomy, and beyond.
This free event is a wonderful opportunity for learners of all ages to discover, explore, and be inspired by the trailblazing women who continue to make a difference in science today.
"Women in Science" is scheduled for Saturday, February 28 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
For more information, please call 706-613-3615.
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Spring Program Online Registration Continues
The Leisure Services Department announces its spring program opportunities for 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.
Online registration takes place at www.accgov.com/myrec ACC residents may register starting Saturday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m. Non-ACC residents may register starting Monday, February 2 at noon.
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, please call 706- 613-3800.
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"Flight of the Fireflies" Lantern Parade at Dudley Park
Participants are invited to gather in Dudley Park starting at 6:00 p.m. with the parade stepping off just after 7:00 p.m. Find out more information and meet one’s friends and families at any of the four color-coded entry points at www.accgov.com/lanternparade
The community is invited to light up the winding paths to Dudley Park together! This parade is open to families, individuals, school, neighborhood groups, and organizations who are all encouraged to participate. Bring lanterns, flashlights, your imagination, and join in the parade.
Along the way, and at the center of Dudley Park, participants with enjoy live music, fantastical performers, and large-scale illuminated sculptures. On the night of the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade, each access point to Dudley Park will be color-coded and staffed with volunteers to help you find your way.
DIY lanterns are encouraged. Any portable light source powered by battery, solar, or other flameless light is welcomed.
The 2024 Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade was recognized with the Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s Programming Network Outstanding Special Event Award
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Renew ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarships Starting January 1
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.
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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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