Alif Institute is an Arab American non-profit educational and cultural enrichment center. The mission of the institute is to foster the understanding and appreciation of Arab culture in the community. The organization has a wide range of enrichment programs as well as classes and workshops, including programs that focus on Arab culture as well as a bridge between Arabic and American art. Some classes include knitting and stitching clubs, Oud classes as well as Arabic language classes for children and adults. The institute also hosts the annual Atlanta Arab Festival. Check the website for details on programs and schedules or for information on donating to the organization.
The South Cobb Recreation Center has a gym for various sports and activities, as well as two multipurpose rooms, a caterer's kitchen and a conference room for use by Cobb County residents.
The rec center is a hub for community events and community services. It is also adjacent to the South Cobb Aquatic Center, the Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club and the South Cobb Health Center.
Two of the organizations that regularly meet at this location are the South Cobb Toastmasters and the Austell Community Taskforce.
The Cobb Civic Center serves as a center of artistic, cultural, sporting and leisure events for all of Cobb County. The center's Hudgins Hall, with a capacity of 3,032, hosts sporting events, collectors' shows, graduations and major exhibitions. The Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, with 606 seats, is a performing arts stage that offers concerts, plays, recitals and other events.
Emory's Dobbs University Center (DUC) is the main student center located in the heart of the University Campus. The DUC houses Emory's main student dining hall, an Einstein's Bros. coffee shop, the school post office and a lounge space with wireless Internet. The DUC is also home to Harland Cinema and the Winship Ballroom, both of which are host to conferences, workshops and other events. The DUC also has three ATM facilities on the lower level.
The Grayson Senior Center is directly behind City Hall and serves as a social hub for seniors in town. The center hosts activities and programs throughout the year in an effort to enrich the quality of life, enhance their independence and to deepen each senior's involvement in the community. For upcoming events and programs, call the number provided.
The Adamsville Recreation Center and Natatorium is the largest indoor public community center in the Cascade area. The center includes a large community auditorium, two conference rooms, two kitchens and a computer lab, multipurpose room, arts and crafts room, weight room, fitness room, dance studio, game room, gymnasium, locker rooms and a natatorium with Olympic-size and therapy pools. The center is managed by the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. For space reservations, please call 404-546-6757.
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center provides various programs and activities for individuals throughout the Atlanta area such as youth summer camps, yoga and various academic classes and theatrical performances. The facilities can be rented for weddings, corporate meetings, family reunions and other private events.
This senior center, part of the George E. Ford Cultural Arts and Community Center, is bustling with activities, from cards, dancing, quilting and Bible studies to exercise classes and choir. The Ford Center has several other buildings, including the Powder Springs Library, a reception hall and the soon-to-be-open Cultural Arts Center.
Mason Mill Center is a recreation center run by the DeKalb County government. The center is located on the bottom floor of the building, in the rear. It is also part of Mason Mill Park.
Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church Community Center and Shephard Counseling Center is home to a host of activities, including seniors program Aloha to Aging. This is a program that services seniors in Cobb, Dekalb and Fulton counties, and their families. They can take part in Aloha Day Club programs of games, art, music and sing a-longs; family support meetings; educational programs; bereavement support groups and more. The community center is located just past the small farmer's stand on Lower Roswell Road.
The Brad Akins YMCA is a community center which offers a variety of programs and activities for the entire family to enjoy. This includes fitness, sports and aquatic programs, massage therapy, camps, a preschool and after-school care. It also hosts birthday parties. Individual and family memberships are available.
The Marietta Parks and Recreation Department manages the city's park system and recreation centers and promotes sports and fitness, tourism, beautification projects and environmental awareness throughout the city.
The city is the steward of 18 parks, ranging from the 25-acre Laurel Park to Monarch Park's quarter-acre butterfly garden. The city also operates two recreation centers that provide after-school activities, classes and athletics.
This department is also responsible for Keep Marietta Beautiful, all of the city's cemeteries and city-sponsored special events.
The Parks and Recreation Department is located on the third floor of Marietta City Hall. Rich Buss serves as the director of Marietta Parks and Recreation.
Decatur Recreation Center is a community facility for rent and used by after-school programs by the City Schools of Decatur. In the summer, it's a place for camp. The "Decatur Rec" center, as it is often called, is adjacent to the Decatur Library, which shares its free lot for parking. Scott Park sits behind Decatur Rec.
The Oconee County Civic Center is a government owned and operated facility. The building consists of a 500-seat theatre and 6,560 square-foot banquet room for public and private events, community fairs, conferences and school functions.
The Gwinnett County Parks Department runs this rental building just off Singleton Road. The handicapped-accessible space has a kitchen and large community room. It can be rented from sunrise to 11pm daily for $65 per hour, more on holidays. There is a $100 deposit required that will be returned if there are no damages. Call 770-723-9516 to make advanced reservations.