Mission Statement:  

The Leisure Services Department promotes lifelong recreation, cultural, environmental, and educational opportunities for Athens-Clarke County's diverse commnities.  We contribute to Athens health and wellness by providing connections to parks, facilities, programs, and community.

Statement of Inclusion:  The ACCGov Leisure Services Department actively promotes and recognizes principles of fairness, equity, and social justice in relation to intersections of race, age, color, disability, religion, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, social class, economic class, ethnicity, gender identity, and all other identities represented among the citizens of our diverse population. By appreciating the importance of inclusion, we acknowledge that the collective and individual talents, skills, and perspectives of program participants, constituent groups, and partners foster a culture of belonging, collaborative practice, innovation, and mutual respect.

ADA Accessibility: Leisure Services Department facilities are ADA accessible. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility at any Department facility, please call 706-613-3802.

Program Accommodation: The Leisure Services Department encourages and supports inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all programs. If you would like to participate and need accommodation, please call 706-613-3602.  Please note: accommodation requests must be submitted at least two weeks prior to program start date.

Department History & Organization: In January 1991, the City of Athens and the Clarke County governments combined forming the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACCGov). As only the second municipality in the state of Georgia to unify, Athens-Clarke County began a long and exhausting process of consolidating two governments into one. In September 1996, the ACCGov created the Leisure Services Department by combining the former city’s Parks and Recreation Department with the former county’s Department of Arts and Environmental Education. 

Our Staff: Leisure Services is the seventh largest department within ACCGov. The department maintains more than 2,000 acres.