City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

The City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism organizes leisure time activities to promote the enrichment of life in the city and to help make Aiken a more desirable place to live. Activities sponsored by the department include special events, team sports, and adult and youth programming. The department operates several facilities including: The Rye Patch and programs at Hopelands Gardens, Smith Hazel Recreation Center, H.O. Weeks Activities Center and Weeks Tennis Center, Citizens Park Sports Complex, Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, AECOM Center for Performing Arts, Newberry and Pendleton Street Festival Center, and multiple parks & playgrounds. The Director of the Department is appointed by the City Manager and serves as staff liaison for the Senior Commission and the Recreation Commission.