Athens Clarke County Leisure Services

For the past 10 years, my family has participated in programs through the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department, and I can honestly say it is one of the things that makes living in Athens so special. We’ve done cooking programs at Rocksprings Park, Heard Park, and Lay Park. My kids have also loved the toddler activities at all three locations. My kids especially love the Paint Nights offered by Kelly Thomas at Lay Park. Walk Thru Boo and the Easter activities offered at that facility are also tremendous. Melody and Mariah are also wonderful facilitators and program coordinators at Lay Park. Portia and Desmond also run great programs at Lay Park, as did Marcie and Jan at Rocksprings (when Jan was there). All of my children have participated in gymnastics at Bishop Park with Megan and her great revolving college-student staff, and the experience has been fantastic. From Tumble Tots to Ninja to Fantastic Fridays to summer camps, I can honestly say that the gymnastics gym at Bishop Park (and the old and new pool at the park) definitely has been cemented into my children’s memories. Personally, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the Trails and Open Spaces Division. The trails they maintain are beautiful and well cared for, and they’ve given me countless peaceful hikes over the years. Just yesterday, on Valentine’s Day, I joined an out-of-county hike to Whitewater Falls near the Georgia–South Carolina border with Allison and Heather, and it was an incredible experience. Their boss, Christine, is also a wonderful person who crafted well-designed programs for my children when they were toddlers and when she worked at Lay Park. To be continued…

The guided hikes and history programs led by Lawson Moore are truly exceptional. When you hike with him, it’s like walking alongside a living audiobook. His knowledge of local history, wildlife, flora, and fauna brings the landscape to life in a way that transforms a simple hike into something memorable and meaningful. His Cast Iron Cookouts are also wonderful community experiences that my kids genuinely look forward to. We have also enjoyed some events and look forward to Art in the Park that one of Lawson’s protégés, Zach Decker, has put on and is putting on. I want to give a shout-out to the Lyndon House Arts Center and the outstanding programs offered there by Mr. William and his revolving staff. The after-school opportunities my children have participated in have been creative, enriching, and incredibly well organized. The center itself is filled with so much history and unique pieces of art. Moreover, I want to recognize the East Athens Educational Dance Center and the incredible programs offered there. The Creative Movement and Kindermovement classes provided such a joyful introduction to dance for my children. The Hip Hip and Jazz classes led by David and his colleague and facilitated by Nina and Nena have especially made a meaningful impact on my daughters’ lives. Their encouragement, structure, and energy have helped build confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for movement. We are truly grateful for the care and intentionality they bring to their programs. I further want to recognize the Sandy Creek Nature Center and the outstanding educational experiences offered there. The planetarium programs and the Knee-High Naturalists programs led by Ms. Michelle have been wonderful learning opportunities for my children. In addition, the strong foundational skills developed in Ms. Kate’s Babies and Beasties class meant so much to our family. The annual “Escape the Space” activities are especially fun and memorable — my kids look forward to them every year. The facility itself, along with its beautiful trails, makes it such a special place for families to explore, learn, and connect with nature. Finally, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the scholarship programs. They make these activities accessible to families like mine. Without that support, many of these opportunities simply wouldn’t have been possible for us. That commitment to inclusion speaks volumes about the department’s values. Honestly, I tried to remember all the great programs and names of the committed people of the department and who I’ve interacted with when writing this. To all of those behind-the scenes people—especially those who help with the crazy 9am-Saturday registrations—I am grateful to you as well. Athens-Clarke County’s Leisure Services Department is a tremendous asset to this community. It fosters connection, learning, health, and joy for families like mine. I am deeply indebted to them for all they do.

ACC Leisure services provide a wide range of summer camps at the various parks and community centers for a very reasonable costs. I found admin quite knowledgeable and helpful when I needed help with something. Summer Registration is in March. Highly recommend these camps!

Nice facilities overall. I used to visit more. As I now live in a more remote part of town, I see that many aren't accessible by transit or walking. Hopefully this will be remedied. It would possibly be a good thing to have earlier and later open hours.