The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department received the Agency Award from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association. The award recognizes outstanding achievements and programs of recreation and park agencies across the state. This is the tenth time the ACC Leisure Services Department has won the award in 21 years.
“It is a source of pride that our peers continue to recognize our programs and volunteers,” said Kent Kilpatrick, ACCGov Leisure Services Department Director. “This community is fortunate to have incredible staff and volunteers who help make all our parks and facilities essential to life in Athens-Clarke County.”
The “Bring the Gnome Home'' program was awarded the Outstanding Program Award. The self-directed “hide and seek” program was developed to increase trail traffic during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It encouraged people to explore trails in Athens to find a Gnome and redeem it for a sponsored prize donated by local small businesses.