June 1 Update: Leisure Services Reopens More Parks

On Monday, June 1 most parks and facilities including Lyndon Arts Center, Sandy Creek Nature Center, community centers, and athletic parks reopened under regular hours of operation with restricted use and limited public access.   A complete list of parks and facilities open to the public is available at www.accgov.com/leisure

The following restrictions are in effect for the immediate future:

• Facilities will operate with limited public access which is dependent upon occupancy, based on recommendations from the CDC.  

• Athletic fields and gymnasiums are open, but no competitive play is allowed due to social distancing concerns. 

• Pickleball and tennis courts are open.

• Dog park access is limited.

• Facility rentals are cancelled until further notice.

• Virtual programs continue at www.accgov.com/leisure

 The following areas remain closed at this time:

Bear Hollow Zoo

Morton Theatre

• Pools and splash pads

• Unsupervised amenities, including playgrounds, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, and the beach at Sandy Creek Park.

Face covers are strongly recommended at indoor facilities and outdoors when social  distancing may be challenging. People are reminded to continue to limit close contact, practice physical distancing measures, wash or sanitize hands frequently, and follow group gathering and other guidelines per the governor's statewide executive orders.

For more information, visit www.accgov.com/leisure or call 706-613-3800. 
 

May 15 Press Release:  Limited Reopening of Select Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Locations

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announces the reopening of select locations including Ben Burton, Memorial, and Walker Parks (formerly Trail Creek Park) on Monday, May 18.  Sandy Creek Park will open Tuesday, May 19. Dudley Park, the Firefly, Greenway, and Sandy Creek Nature Center trails will remain open.  All other parks and facilities remain closed at this time. 

Ben Burton Park will open to permit access to fishing, open space, boat launch, and trails for public use.  There is no restroom access.  

Memorial Park will permit access to fishing, open space, picnic shelters (small gatherings only), and trails for public use.  The playground, basketball court, dog park, and Bear Hollow Zoo will remain closed. Restroom access will be limited. 

Sandy Creek Park will permit access to disc golf, fishing, open space, private dog parks (by reservation), picnic areas (small gatherings only), and trails for public use. The beach, large pavilions, playgrounds, basketball & volleyball courts, and public dog park will remain closed. Restroom access will be limited. Park entrance is $2 per person for ages 4-64, all others are admitted free of charge. Payment options include annual passes, punch cards, and credit/debit cards. Cash will not be accepted. 

Walker Park, formerly Trail Creek Park, will permit access to open space, picnic shelter (small gatherings only), bike trails, and walking paths. Athletic fields are available for self-directed play, but closed for competitive and team use. The outdoor fitness zone, playground, and splash pad remain closed. Restroom access will be limited.  

The public is reminded to continue to practice social distancing and gatherings must be limited to 10 people or fewer. Masks are recommended.

 For more information, visit www.accgov.com/leisure or call 706-613-3800.                                                                                                                              

Written and Distributed by:
Cathy Padgett, ACCGov Leisure Services
cathy.padgett@accgov.com
706-613-3625