Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services

06/02/2026

Following our massive 72-player tournament last month, we are back and bigger than ever! Classic City Pétanque is thrilled to host the FPUSA Southeast Regional Women’s Tournaments at Lay Park! Top competitors from clubs across the U.S., including national champions and former Team USA athletes, are flying in to compete for medals and cash prizes. Whether you're a seasoned player or completely new to the sport, you won't want to miss this.

📅 The Event Lineup
-Saturday, June 6: Women’s Doubles Tournament 👯‍♀️
-Sunday, June 7: Women’s Singles Tournament 🎯
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM both days

What is Pétanque? Originating in the Mediterranean, this French game of focus and strategy involves tossing or rolling steel balls (boules) as close as possible to a small target ball. Think bocce, but with a serious competitive edge!

Grab your lawn chairs and come watch the action for free! Classic City Pétanque club members will be on hand all weekend to explain the rules and teach you how the game is played.

Want to try it yourself? You don't have to wait for the National Women’s Triples tournament this fall! Newcomers are always welcome at our regular Lay Park practice sessions. We provide all the equipment and free coaching to get you rolling.

🔗 Learn more and connect with us at www.petanque.org!

06/01/2026

The world-famous Amazing Acro-Cats (as seen on Netflix’s Cat People) are skating, jumping, and rocking their way into Athens this weekend at the Morton Theatre! Meow-sic to our ears! 🐱✨

This isn't your average cat nap. This incredible troupe of former orphans, rescues, and strays will blow your mind in a one-of-a-kind, 90-minute purrformance.

What to expect:

🛹 Cats on skateboards & balancing on balls
⭕ Epic hoop-jumping & bell-ringing agility
🎸 The grand finale: Tuna and the Rock Cats—the world’s only all-cat band—joined by the Jazz Cats on sax, trumpet, and clarinet! 🎷

📅 Showtimes:
- Friday, June 5 @ 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 6 @ 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, June 7 @ 2:00 p.m.

🎟️ Tickets are available online now! Don't wait; these shows will sell out faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer!

For more information or if you have questions, give us a call at 706-613-3771.

05/27/2026

Congratulations are in order!
Steven Teller’s “A Blossoming Ode to Georgia’s Musical History” located at the Akins Ford Arena recently took home the Bronze Award for Region Three by the National Mural Awards.

The National Mural Awards was founded in 2023 to celebrate the absolute best in public art, and we couldn't be prouder to see our community represented on the national stage.

A massive thank you to Tatiana Veneruso and the Leisure Services Department for managing and growing our amazing public art program. Want to explore more of the community's beautiful public art or get more details? Visit www.accgov.com/publicart to learn more!

05/25/2026

The Leisure Services Department will recognize the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25th.

Indoor facilities will be closed for the day. Parks are open under regular hours of operation. All pools and splash pads will be open from 12:30 - 5:30 PM.

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

05/22/2026

Get ready to experience the rise, the comeback, and the absolute magic of the King right here in Athens!

If you’ve ever wanted to step into the story of how Elvis Presley became a global phenomenon, join us next Friday, May 29th at 7:30 PM for The Ultimate Elvis Concert: Rise Of An Icon, presented at the Morton Theatre! You'll be taken on a high-energy journey through Elvis’ most defining years; from the raw fire and rebellion of the 1950s, through the legendary ’68 Comeback Special, right into the powerful resurgence of 1969.

Ultimate Elvis Champion, Cote Deonath, and World Champion, Riley Jenkins are uniting on stage to bring Elvis’ evolution to life with authentic vocals, iconic looks, and commanding stage presence. Backed by the powerhouse sound of The Infinit-E Tribute Band, every single moment is crafted with pure intensity and deep respect for the legacy.

Come feel the comeback and witness the moments that changed music forever. Purchase tickets here: https://www.mortontheatre.com/list-of-events/2026/5/29-the-ultimate-elvis-concert-rise-of-an-icon or call (352) 789-7269 with any questions. We'd love to see you there! 🎸

05/21/2026

Get your swimsuits ready, Athens! We are kicking off summer the right way and opening all of our public pools and splashpads for the summer season starting this Saturday, May 23rd!

Whether you're looking to do some laps or just lounge poolside, we've got you covered. Plus, we have some exciting news for 2026: we're extending the season! Bishop Park Pool and Walker Park Splash Pad will stay open daily until August 4, and then shift to weekends only all the way through September 7. 🥳

📝 What You Need to Know:
Admission: Just $1 per person!

Passes: Grab a seasonal pool pass for $20 in person at any of our five pools or two splash pads with cash or check.

Awesome news for Athens Pre-K - 12 kiddos: FREE pool pass opportunities are available! Check out accgov.com/aquatics to see if your kids qualify.

Don't forget: all pools and splash pads are closed on Mondays so we can keep things sparkling clean. 🧼

Standard pool season runs through July 26, so don't miss out on a single drop of fun. Grab the sunscreen, bring the family, and let's make a splash! 🌊

📞 Have questions? Give the Aquatics Office a shout at 706-613-3589. See you at the pool!

05/20/2026

🎶 One of our favorite quarterly creative nights is back yet again this Thursday!

Music in the House returns to the Lyndon House Arts Center's Lower Atrium, bringing together live local music and open creative expression. This session features the incredible Jimee Stoune & the Blue Blazers performing original work in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Whether you’re an artist or just an avid music lover, this space is for you. We provide the easels, drawing horses, and writing tables—you just bring your sketchbook, journal, or simply your curiosity! Not looking to create? No problem at all. Grab a seat, relax, and just soak up the incredible sounds.

Gather with your community this Thursday for a night of artistic inspiration and connection. This program is completely FREE for all ages, thanks to the generous support of Leara Rhodes.

See you in the Lower Atrium! 🎨🎸

05/07/2026

Be sure to come on out this Saturday, May 9th from 10AM - 2PM and join the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for a day of free food, family fun, and community support!

With nearly 50 partners on-site, there is truly something for everyone:

🌭 FREE Food: Hot dogs, chips, and drinks (while supplies last)
🎉 Kid Zone: Bouncy house, Pop-Up Park, and temporary tattoos!
🩺 Wellness: Free health screenings and booster seat checks
🎁 Resources: Summer youth info and giveaways from across ACCGov

🚗 Parking Tip: Portions of Nellie B Ave and Fairview St will be closed. We recommend parking at the East Athens Educational Dance Center and walking over. Please watch out for our neighbors and pedestrians!

05/06/2026

ACCGov announces the selection of a new Leisure Services Department Director...

ACCGov Manager Bob Cowell has appointed Kimberly Zygmant to serve as the new Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department Director starting May 26, 2026. She has served as the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for Layton City, Utah since 2023.

“I’m honored and thrilled to join the Athens-Clarke County team as the new Leisure Services Director and to become part of a community that so clearly values the people, their spaces, and the experiences that bring people together,” said Zygmant. “From parks and trails to recreation programs and cultural spaces, Leisure Services plays an essential role in enhancing health and wellness by connecting the community to parks, facilities, programs, and community.”

Zygmant holds a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University in Recreation and Parks Management. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive and certified Aquatic Facility Operator by the National Recreation and Park Association.

Read more about her and the role: www.accgov.com/news

05/06/2026

THE FROG IS BACK, Y'ALL! 🐸☀️💦

Dust off those swimsuits and grab the sunscreen: the Walker Park Splash Pad (200 Trail Creek St.) is officially kicking off its pre-season this Saturday, May 9!

Just the Walker Park Splash Pad is open on Saturdays only (for now!)

Our full Summer Season is coming in hawt later this month, so be sure to keep an eye on our page for updates on our other splash pads and pool openings as we roll them out!

Don’t let the heat get the best of you. Come cool off, splash around, and say hi to the Frog! We can’t wait to see everyone back in the water. 🌊✨