Augusta Rec & Parks Insider is the official blog of the Augusta Recreation & Parks Department, dedicated to keeping the community informed about parks, programs, and events in Augusta, GA. Stay connected with updates, stories, and ways to get involved in making our city more active and vibrant!

Category: Behind the Scenes

  • First Podcast Episode: How Fees and Funding Really Work

    The first episode of the Augusta Recreation & Parks Podcast explores the concept of cost recovery in public recreation programs. It explains how participant fees and taxpayer support contribute to program funding, pricing, and sustainability. The episode emphasizes transparency and fairness while offering insights into the hidden costs of recreation services.

  • One Year Down, Ready For 2026

    From quiet winter planning to lively summer celebrations, Augusta’s parks tell the story of a year shaped by seasons, community, and shared moments. As one year closes and another begins, we look ahead to what’s next, together.

  • Beneath the Shade Trees: The Stories Our Cemeteries Tell

    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…

  • May Park’s Transformation: Augusta’s Historical Green Space

    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.

  • Honoring a Local Legend: The Story Behind the W. T. Johnson Community Center

    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…

  • Building Better Parks, Together: May Park and Boykin Road Park Improvement Projects

    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.

  • Why Youth Basketball Is More Than Just a Game

    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…

  • Building and Playing Together – Every Day with Augusta Recreation & Parks

    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.…

  • Pendleton King Park Reopens with Community Celebration and Ribbon Cutting

    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…

  • Augusta’s Historic Cemeteries Reopen After Hurricane Helene

    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…