When most people hear “Augusta Recreation and Parks,” they think of playgrounds, ball fields, walking trails, and community centers. It might be surprising to learn that our department is also closely connected to some of Augusta’s oldest burial grounds. Over the past several weeks, we have updated and expanded the city’s cemetery pages. The goals were simple. Make information easier to find.

May Park in Augusta, Georgia, transitioned from a 19th-century military parade ground to a community recreational space named after Mayor Robert H. May, who promoted its development. The park became a hub for civic events, sports, and leisure activities, reflecting local history and culture, and continues to serve the community with planned modern improvements.

If you’ve ever visited the W. T. Johnson Community Center, you’ve stepped into a space shaped by the legacy of one of Augusta’s most influential recreation leaders: William Taft “W. T.” Johnson. His life’s work helped build the foundation of public recreation as we know it today, and the center proudly carries his name to honor more than three decades of service to our community.

As we approach the end of another year, the holiday season invites us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect - with our families, our neighbors, and our community. For Augusta Recreation & Parks, 2025 has been a year of growth, collaboration, and celebration. From youth athletics and summer camps to community festivals, concerts, and park improvements across the city, we’ve been honored to spend another year creating spaces and experiences where Augustans can play, gather, and thrive.

The Augusta Recreation and Parks Department is inviting residents to participate in the revitalization of May Park and Boykin Road Park, funded by an INODIC grant. Public meetings will be held on October 29 and 30, 2025, for community input on proposed upgrades and features to enhance these beloved parks.

Youth basketball with Augusta Recreation & Parks is more than just a sport, it’s an opportunity for kids to build confidence, teamwork, and community. This winter, give your child the chance to grow on and off the court through fun, fair, and skill-focused play. Registration for the Winter Youth Basketball Season is now open: Learn more at augustaga.gov/3223/Youth-Athletics

The Augusta Recreation & Parks Department is excited to announce the upcoming Fall League Invitational at the Newman Tennis Center, a perfect opportunity for local players to hit the courts, stay active, and enjoy the game of tennis in a fun, flexible format this season. A League Designed for Everyone Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or you’ve been playing for years, the Fall League Invitational welcomes participants of all skill levels.

Fall has arrived in Augusta, and Halloween is just around the corner. Augusta Recreation and Parks invites families to celebrate at safe, fun community center events across the city. Enjoy candy, games, and costumes in a welcoming setting where children can make memories and parents can relax.

All summer long, the Augusta Common has been alive with the rhythm and energy of the Candlelight Music Series. Every Sunday evening, music lovers gathered under the open sky with lawn chairs, blankets, and friends to enjoy some of the best local and regional talent. From soulful jazz and R&B to funk, blues, and old school favorites, this series brought together the sounds of Augusta’s vibrant music community in a way that only Candlelight can.

July is Park and Recreation Month, and this year we are proudly celebrating 40 years of recognizing the important role that parks and recreation play in our lives. The theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” reminds us how much stronger our community becomes when we come together to create safe, healthy, and fun places for everyone. The photo above is a perfect example of what this looks like in real life.

As the nation prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July, Augusta Recreation & Parks invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the best of summer with festive events, family outings, and the beauty of our public greenspaces. While we pause operations in observance of the holiday, we also offer exciting opportunities to gather, celebrate, and enjoy our community. In observance of Independence Day, all Recreation & Parks offices, including the Administrative Office, Athletic Offices, and the Special Events & Rental Office, will be closed on Friday, July 4.

Pendleton King Park reopened to the public on Tuesday, July 1, with a joyful celebration that drew an estimated 300 visitors throughout the morning. The event, hosted by Augusta Recreation & Parks and the Pendleton King Park Foundation, marked the park’s return to full operation after recent storm-related closures and cleanup efforts. The day began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

Every July, we celebrate something near and dear to our hearts: Park and Recreation Month. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this national celebration, and what better way to honor it than with this year’s powerful theme: “Build Together, Play Together.” At Augusta Recreation & Parks, we believe in the power of community. This month’s theme reminds us that parks and recreation are built not just with bricks and mulch, but with people: our full-time staff, part-time workers, volunteers, and most importantly, …

The countdown is on. Backpacks are getting lighter, the days are getting longer, and kids all over Augusta are already dreaming of summer. Though school isn't quite out yet, Augusta Recreation & Parks is already rolling out the welcome mat for a season packed with celebration, adventure, and good old-fashioned outdoor fun. So grab your calendar—and maybe your sunglasses—because this summer, we’re helping you make every moment count.

Get ready for a summer packed with fun, adventure, and lifelong memories! Augusta Recreation & Parks is thrilled to open registration for our 2025 Summer Day Camps — a vibrant, activity-filled program designed to enrich your child’s summer with creativity, exploration, friendship, and fun. Running from June 2 through July 25 (with a break from June 30–July 4), our camps offer a safe and nurturing space where children can thrive.

The soulful sounds of summer are making their way back to Downtown Augusta as the beloved Candlelight Music Series returns to the Augusta Common beginning Sunday, May 4th. A tradition that blends music, community, and warm evening skies, the series will light up Sundays through the end of September—offering a perfect close to your weekend with live music beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Each May, families across America come together to honor one of life’s most profound relationships — the bond between mother and child. Mother’s Day, as we know it today, has its roots in the early 1900s, when Anna Jarvis, inspired by her own mother’s tireless devotion, campaigned for a day to recognize the sacrifices of mothers everywhere. Her efforts led to a national observance when President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1914.

This spring, the REALTORS® of Greater Augusta (RGA), in proud partnership with Augusta, Georgia Recreation & Parks, are bringing the spirit of generosity and community connection to life. In honor of National Fair Housing Month, they are hosting a Community Care Day — a special event where giving back meets genuine care for neighbors and friends. Set for Saturday, April 26th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at May Park, located at 622 4th Street in Augusta, Community Care Day promises to be an uplifting experience for individuals and families alike.

Updated Hours of Operation As Easter weekend approaches, the City of Augusta is preparing for both a time of observance and community celebration. Whether you're taking a quiet moment to reflect on the season or planning to spend time with family and friends, here's everything you need to know about local office closures and upcoming Easter events. On Friday, April 18, 2025, in observance of Good Friday, all administrative offices within Augusta Recreation and Parks will be closed.

Spring is in the air, and that means it's time for fun-filled events, exciting activities, and plenty of opportunities to get involved with the community! April is shaping up to be an action-packed month, and Recreation & Parks has an amazing lineup of Easter celebrations, pickleball games, and wellness fairs that you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family—here’s what’s happening this month!

Augusta, Georgia, is known worldwide as the home of the Masters Tournament, but beyond the fairways and greens lies a rich history of African American caddies whose contributions shaped the game in ways often overlooked. For generations, Black caddies played an integral role in Augusta’s golfing legacy, serving as expert guides for some of the sport’s greatest players while forging a strong cultural identity within the Sand Hills neighborhood.

After months of careful assessment and restoration following Hurricane Helene, Augusta’s historic cemeteries—Magnolia, Cedar Grove, and West View—are finally reopening to the public. These cemeteries are not just resting places but living testaments to the city’s rich and diverse history. While damage from fallen trees, flooding, and structural instability required extensive work, Augusta officials have put together a phased reopening plan that prioritizes both safety and accessibility.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Augusta Recreation & Parks Career Fair on March 19, 2025, at the Henry H. Brigham Community Center! We were thrilled to connect with so many talented individuals interested in joining our team. The event was a great success, bringing together job seekers eager to explore careers in Recreation, Athletics, Aquatics, Special Events, and Parks & Maintenance…

Every March 17, people around the world come together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that honors the patron saint of Ireland and embraces Irish culture, heritage, and, of course, a bit of festive fun. Here in Augusta, our Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration bring the community together for a lively day filled with music, dancing, and plenty of green!

Aging gracefully is all about staying active, connected, and engaged in a vibrant community. The Augusta Recreation & Parks Department, in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging, is dedicated to enriching the lives of senior adults aged 60 and older in Augusta, Georgia. Through a variety of programs and services, seniors can enjoy social opportunities, wellness activities, and nutritious meals—all designed to support their well-being and independence.