Thomas N Lay Park

Ever since it was founded in 1991 right in the bustling center of Downtown Athens, Thomas N Lay Park has been considered one of Athens safest spaces for teenagers and kids alike.

BLURB BY MILES LAWRENCE Variety Staffer

Located at 297 Hoyt St., the seven-acre park includes multiple athletic fields and courts, a fitness room, gymnasium, full-service kitchen, playground, computer lab, pool, multi-purpose rooms and much more. The park is also home to multiple after-school programs for students throughout the year, and hosts many camps over the summer for local kids.

Lay Park facility and program supervisor Kelly Thomas has worked for Athens Leisure Service for 10 years, five of which have been at Lay Park. With the multiple youth programs offered by the park, Thomas and others are creating a safe space for kids and teenagers exercise and hang out.

“A lot of (what) we're trying to do (is) capture the older crowd because typically when they get (to be in high school), they drive, they're doing extracurriculars, school and stuff like that,” Thomas said. “For those who aren't (though), you just give them an opportunity to come to a park and participate in activities (where) they get to be with their friends in a safe environment, where (they can) come in, have fun and have a good time.”