Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) Leisure Services Director Kent Kilpatrick has announced his retirement as of April 1, 2025, after 37 years with the department and seven as director. 

"Kent’s dedication to serving this community’s residents and visitors of all ages and abilities for nearly four decades is extraordinary," said Acting Manager Niki Jones. "His leadership in directing such a community-based department in such professional, innovative ways will be missed. We wish him the best as he transitions from director to customer who gets to experience the parks, facilities, natural environments, educational opportunities, and artistic endeavors that he has helped shape in such a positive fashion."

Kilpatrick has worked continuously for the local government since 1987, initially as Outdoor Recreation Manager with the former Clarke County Parks Department, which became the Athens-Clarke County Arts and Environmental Education Department after the City of Athens and Clarke County unified in 1991.  

The ACCGov Leisure Services Department formed in 1996 from the former Recreation and Parks Department and the Arts and Environmental Department. After serving with Leisure Services as Internal Services Administrator and Interim Director, Kilpatrick was named Director in 2017. 

"Since arriving in Athens in 1987, it has been an honor to serve this community and leave a legacy of parks, programs, and memories that will benefit generations to come," said Kilpatrick. "I truly appreciate working with a dedicated group of people past and present to help form this community. From playgrounds to parks, I have dedicated my life to creating spaces for joy. Now it’s time for me to experience that joy myself."

Kilpatrick was honored by his peers in 2021 with the Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s Ray Hammond Leadership Award, which recognizes professionals for cumulative, exemplary service to the state, profession, and district. 

During Kilpatrick’s seven-year tenure as director, the department has: 

• Earned 42 awards recognizing events, facilities, publications, programs, staff, and volunteers, including three Agency of the Year awards from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association.

• Led the redevelopment of the Murmur Bridge into an award-winning design resulting in Firefly Bridge over Trail Creek project and earning five state and national awards.

• Created “Teen Tech Labs” at all three community centers providing hi-tech programs and opportunities for teens.

• Introduced virtual programs in the arts, nature, and recreation during the pandemic.

• Expanded the trail system by 12 miles, including the opening of the Firefly Trail and expanding the Greenway Trail through the Oconee Hills Cemetery.

• Started the Kinderswim program that provides free swimming lessons every summer for all five- year-old children.

• Added new community events including the Above Athens Hot Air Balloon Festival, Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade, and the BBQ, Blues, and Cruise festival.

• Opened the community’s first playground for children of all abilities.

• Introduced the “Pop up Park” mobile recreation program traveling almost 700 miles within Athens-Clarke County while engaging over 8,000 people at 98 events.

• Partnered with the Athens Area Pickleball Association to build the first pickleball courts in Athens-Clarke County.

• Launched a comprehensive department Master Plan for the first time in 20 years.

A permanent Leisure Services Director will be appointed in the coming months after a national search is completed. 

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department's mission is to build a healthier and more livable community by providing opportunities to learn, to create, and to play in quality parks, programs and facilities that are valued by Athens-Clarke County residents.  

For more information on the Leisure Services Department, visit www.accgov.com/leisure or call 706-613-3800.