Rocksprings Introduction

Rocksprings, a neighborhood of 153 households, is community in a centrally-located part of Athens. Residents live along Baxter Street, near shops, an Athens Transit bus line and Clarke Central High School.

The neighborhood, which benefits from having two community centers in it, is managed by the Athens Housing Authority. Athens-Clarke County plans to build a park for residents in early 2009.

Residents tend to be involved in the community centers. One, run by Athens-Clarke County’s Leisure Services, offers multiple programs for young people and senior citizens. The other center provides tutoring for students.

The community has an infusion of young people. Clarke Central High School is across the street from the neighborhood, and 41 percent of family members in Rocksprings are younger than 18 years old.

Rocksprings residents tend to be lower-income families. According to the housing authority’s quarterly demographic report, 22 percent of residents make between $1 and $1,999 a year. The report states that 26 percent make between $7,000 and $7,999 and 21 percent make more than $13,000.

This semester, our group has seen the members of the community express enthusiasm about the 2008 presidential election and the Clarke Central High School football team. We hope you will be interested in the information we found about police protection in the neighborhood, the community centers’ activities and high school football.

By Kristen Coulter