Within the city of Athens, Ohio is an opportunity for all to come together as a community, learn, grow, get healthy and have fun — the Athens Community Center. Located at 701 E. State Street, and conveniently situated on the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, the Center offers a wide array of facilities and activities available to Athens residents for a reasonable annual membership fee.
The Fun-damentals
The center includes a cardio room, gym, a three-lane full-length track and a weight room, all available to the community. There are also spaces that can be rented for business meetings, reunions or birthday parties. For example, the United Seniors of Athens County host their regular meetings within the center and offer nutritional advice, games, dancing, chair volleyball and other opportunities for seniors to remain active and social.
The Athens Community Center offers many classes and activities for all ages such as fitness (including the popular “Silver Sneakers” for seniors), martial arts and youth sports teams. There are child care programs for toddlers, pre-k children and elementary students. Before-school and after-school programs are provided regularly, with times and fees listed at the community center’s website. If a parent is attending a class, utilizing the facilities or studying in the lobby, the center has a Child Watch program that entertains children while their parent is within the building. Fees and times are also posted on the center’s website.
The Athens Community center children’s programs feature a Summer Camp program. Over the course of eight weeks, from June 1st through July 31st, there are one-week workshops centered around a new theme each week. In addition to traditional day-camp fun, campers will participate in activities such as swimming, learning from a pro golfer, visiting the movie theater, and will even take a field trip to The Wilds safari park. Visit the Community Center department within the City of Athens website for fees and detailed schedules for Summer Camp 2015.
Let’s Get Involved
The easiest way to get involved with the Athens Community Center is to plan a visit. There is a variety of classes available for all ages in addition to the fitness facilities. The center is also looking for seasonal employees. There are positions available in the Arts, Parks, and Recreation Department, Public Works Street Department, Water Treatment Plant and Land and Building Department. If interested, application submission is open until April 3 with applications available at the City Building, located at 8 East Washington Street in Athens, Ohio. If applying for multiple positions, they ask you to be specific about which you would like. Any questions may be emailed to the Human Resources Department, or you may call 740-592-3367.
The Athens Community center is in the business of building strong community members so that they will plant even more bountiful seeds throughout the area. Have you visited this facility? What programs and features would you recommend for others?