Plan Your Athens Community Center Visit: Gym, Fitness, Classes & Rentals
Athens Community Center is a City of Athens recreation facility at 701 East State Street, Athens, OH 45701. Operated by Athens Arts, Parks and Recreation, it offers an indoor gymnasium, fitness center, walking track, pickleball, recreation classes, youth programs and reservable meeting rooms.
Visitors can pay for a single day, purchase a multi-visit pass or choose a membership. The center also sits beside East State Street Park, which offers playgrounds, outdoor sports courts, a skate park, dog parks and access to the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway.
Visitor details reviewed October 22, 2026. Class availability, gym schedules, facility closures and holiday hours may change.
Hours & Contact Information
| Day | Regular operating hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 6:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM–5:00 PM |
Phone: 740-592-3325
Email: athensapr@ci.athens.oh.us
Winter Weather Closures
| Athens County snow level | What happens |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Classes and sports normally continue. |
| Level 2 | If Level 2 is active two hours before a class or game, it is canceled. The fitness facility normally remains available. |
| Level 2 at 5 AM on a weekday | The center opens at 8 AM instead of 6 AM. |
| Level 3 | All activities are canceled and the facility closes. |
Staff may also reduce hours for severe weather or emergencies outside these conditions. Check official facility notices before a time-sensitive visit.
Daily Admission, Monthly Passes & Punch Cards
Visitors do not need an annual membership to use the center. The City’s published rates provide separate options for youth, adults and seniors.
| Admission / pass | Published price |
|---|---|
| Youth gym pass, ages 4–12 | $5 daily |
| Facility pass, ages 13–64 | $7 daily |
| Senior pass, ages 65+ | $5 daily |
| Monthly membership, ages 4–64 | $35 |
| Senior monthly membership, ages 65+ | $30 |
| 20-visit punch card | $75 |
Annual Membership Prices
Athens offers discounted community rates for people who live or earn income within Athens city limits. Those who live and earn income outside the limits pay the general rate.
| Annual membership | General | Community |
|---|---|---|
| Household, up to 4 people | $390 | $290 |
| Individual, ages 13–64 | $275 | $198 |
| Senior, ages 65+ | $200 | $145 |
| Youth gym access, ages 4–12 | $180 | $115 |
| Walking track only | $125 | $85 |
Annual household memberships allow up to two additional people for an added fee of $40 each at the general rate or $30 each at the community rate.
Six-Month Membership Prices
| Six-month membership | General | Community |
|---|---|---|
| Household, up to 4 | $335 | $230 |
| Individual, ages 13–64 | $210 | $140 |
| Senior, ages 65+ | $150 | $105 |
| Youth gym access, ages 4–12 | $135 | $85 |
Membership Benefits
- Access to designated fitness room equipment.
- Use of the indoor walking/jogging track.
- Gymnasium access during eligible open-use times.
- Locker rooms and lobby leisure activities.
- Discounts on selected programs, classes and room rentals.
Separate activity registration fees may still apply to instructional classes, youth sports or leagues.
Gym, Fitness Equipment & Indoor Track
Cardiovascular machines, free weights, resistance equipment and other exercise resources. The City’s facility report identifies treadmills, stationary bicycles, ellipticals, rowing machines and kettlebells.
A climate-controlled track for walking and jogging. A walking-only membership is available for visitors who do not need the entire fitness facility.
Two full-sized indoor basketball courts used for recreation, programs, sports and facility rentals.
The indoor court configuration supports up to four pickleball courts and three volleyball courts, subject to scheduled usage.
Gymnasium Dimensions
| Basketball courts | Two full courts, each approximately 50 by 94 feet. |
|---|---|
| Volleyball setup | Three full-sized courts, approximately 29.5 by 59 feet. |
| Pickleball setup | Four courts, each approximately 20 by 44 feet. |
Indoor Pickleball: Open Play & Reservations
Athens Community Center publishes specific rules for pickleball rotation, plus the option to reserve one designated court.
| Individual court rental | $10 per hour |
|---|---|
| Advance notice | Reserve at least one day ahead; no same-day rentals. |
| Facility admission | Not included in the $10 court fee. Each player needs membership, punch card or day admission. |
| Additional court | A fourth court near the front desk has been listed for Monday–Friday, 11 AM–3 PM, subject to basketball demand and school schedules. |
| Booking method | Call 740-592-3325 or visit the front desk. |
Open-Play Rotation Rules
- Courts are generally first-come, first-served unless reserved directly through Athens Community Center.
- When players are waiting, limit play to one game to 11 points.
- Waiting players place paddles in groups of four to show playing order.
- After each game, the next waiting group rotates onto the court.
- Players who wish to continue after leaving a court return their paddles to the end of the line.
- Outside scheduling systems are not recognized as official Athens Community Center reservations.
Recreation Programs, Youth Activities & Registration
Athens Arts, Parks and Recreation organizes activities across multiple locations. The community center hosts many indoor programs, but some aquatic activities take place at the separate Athens City Pool and arts activities may be held at Arts West.
Basketball, soccer, futsal, baseball and other age-based programs. Registration, practice sites and game locations differ.
Instructor-led wellness, strength, movement and exercise activities. Class fees and availability vary.
Youth and adult dance classes, recreational learning and seasonal enrichment activities.
Preschool, before-school, after-school, summer camp and Wee Wigglers programming, subject to age and school-year eligibility.
Adult recreational sports and related leagues. Dates and participation fees depend on the season.
Free family events, special activities, city park programming and seasonal gatherings.
How to Register
Summer 2026 sessions have ended; use the live registration catalog for current fall activities rather than assuming older program dates are still available.
Meeting Room, Gym & Event Rental Fees
Athens Community Center offers reservable spaces for meetings, wedding receptions, banquets, birthday parties, training and other approved events.
The City’s pricing separates members, city residents, outside-city renters, nonprofit groups and commercial organizations.
| Rental space | Member | City non-member | Outside city |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conference room | $10/hr | $12/hr | $14/hr |
| Exercise studio | $30/hr | $35/hr | $40/hr |
| Arts & crafts room | $10/hr | $35/hr | $40/hr |
| Gym A or B | $35/hr | $40/hr | $45/hr |
| Both gyms | $50/hr | $60/hr | $80/hr |
| Multipurpose Room A | $45/hr | $55/hr | $60/hr |
| Multipurpose Room B | $35/hr | $45/hr | $50/hr |
| Multipurpose Room C | $45/hr | $55/hr | $60/hr |
| Multipurpose Rooms AB or BC | $50/hr | $60/hr | $65/hr |
| All three multipurpose rooms | $60/hr | $70/hr | $75/hr |
Nonprofit & Commercial Rental Examples
| Space | City nonprofit | Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| Conference room | $10/hr | $15/hr |
| Gym A or B | $30/hr | $50/hr |
| Both gym courts | $60/hr | $100/hr |
| Multipurpose Room A | $40/hr | $60/hr |
| All three multipurpose rooms | $55/hr | $75/hr |
Nonprofit applicants must provide qualifying 501(c)(3) documentation or a tax-exemption certificate to receive the applicable nonprofit rate.
What Is Included?
- Staff assistance with table and chair setup and teardown.
- Round tables approximately five feet in diameter.
- Rectangular tables approximately eight feet long.
- Available projectors and basic sound equipment for applicable rooms.
- Room configurations appropriate to the approved rental.
Rental availability depends on the room and existing facility programs. A request submitted less than one week before the event cannot be guaranteed timely approval.
How to Book a Room at Athens Community Center
Rental Rules & Things to Avoid
- Use only the room and time approved on your permit.
- Do not enter before the rental begins or remain after its end.
- Reserve setup and delivery time in advance.
- Confetti, glitter, piñatas and similar messy materials are prohibited.
- Do not attach materials using nails, staples, damaging fasteners or tape on walls or floors.
- Wax candles are not permitted.
- Alcohol at approved multipurpose-room events requires proper permits.
- Food and drink are not permitted in the gymnasium; use designated areas.
- Groups are responsible for following their rental agreement and staff instructions.
Organizations seeking an extra fee discount or waiver may submit the City’s special request form together with the normal rental application. Approval is discretionary and generally requires a direct benefit to the community.
East State Street Park: Outdoor Activities Nearby
The Athens Community Center is part of the East State Street Park campus, so families can combine an indoor visit with outdoor recreation.
Outdoor play equipment for children, including slides, climbing structures and other playground features.
Basketball, tennis and dedicated pickleball courts. Availability may depend on scheduled activity.
Nearby features for skateboarders and inline skaters.
Two enclosed off-leash dog areas for appropriate canine recreation.
Trail access for walking, jogging, cycling and other permitted trail activities.
Outdoor recreation and open areas near the community center campus.
Address, Map, Parking & Public Transportation
Athens Community Center
701 East State Street
Athens, Ohio 45701
Telephone: 740-592-3325
Parking & Accessibility
- Accessible parking and accessible entrances are provided on site.
- The building has accessible restrooms on the first floor and an elevator between floors.
- The indoor track is accessible.
- For a first visit with mobility needs, contact the front desk for the most convenient entrance and current facility arrangements.
- Parking for recreational visits and overnight or long-term parking are not necessarily the same use. Get permission before leaving a vehicle overnight.
GoBus & Local Transit
The community center is a recognized GoBus stop. Its stop is at the bus shelter near the solar-panel-covered parking area.
The location connects travelers with regional GoBus services and nearby Athens public transportation. The GoBus operator lists restrooms, snacks and ticket sales at the stop.
Visitors using GoBus should confirm their specific service departure and ticket arrangements rather than assuming the community center’s full opening hours are also ticket-counter hours.
Practical Rules for Your First Visit
| Rule | What to do |
|---|---|
| Front desk check-in | Check in before entering activity areas. Bring your membership ID, punch card or required pass. |
| Closing time | Arrive more than 10 minutes before closing because doors lock early. |
| Fitness room | Bring a towel and wipe down equipment after use. |
| Indoor courts | Wear non-marking athletic shoes. Food and drinks are not permitted in the gym. |
| Equipment checkout | Some basketball and pickleball equipment can be borrowed through the front desk under staff procedures. |
| Lockers | Bring a suitable lock. Locks left longer than 24 hours can be removed. |
| Lost items | Regular lost-and-found items are retained for approximately two weeks before donation. |
| Weather | Check Athens County snow emergency levels and facility announcements before traveling. |
Choose the Right Visit Option
Use the $7 facility day pass. Check the gym or fitness schedule before leaving.
Use the $5 senior day pass or compare the $30 monthly senior membership with regular visits.
Compare the walking-only annual membership with the full-facility pass. Community-rate eligibility can significantly lower the cost.
Compare the 20-visit punch card, monthly membership and annual rate based on expected visits.
Check court availability first. The $10/hour court reservation is separate from the facility entry requirement.
Choose a room, estimate guest count, determine your rental category and submit the official request at least one week ahead.
Related Community Center Guides
For other recreation facilities in Ohio, see the Bob Crane Community Center guide in Upper Arlington and the Mason Community Center visitor and membership guide. Both cover different facilities with their own admission rules and schedules.
For a broader comparison of municipal recreation amenities, see the Warren Community Center guide for an example of how pools, gym schedules, memberships and rentals can differ at another public facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Athens Community Center in Ohio?
Athens Community Center is located at 701 East State Street, Athens, OH 45701. The phone number is 740-592-3325.
2. What are the Athens Community Center hours?
Regular hours are Monday through Friday 6 AM–9 PM, Saturday 8 AM–7 PM, and Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. Weather, holidays and maintenance can change the schedule.
3. How much is Athens Community Center daily admission?
The City lists a $7 daily facility pass for ages 13–64 and $5 day passes for youth ages 4–12 and seniors age 65 and older.
4. How much does an annual membership cost?
Annual individual membership for ages 13–64 costs $275 at the general rate or $198 at the Athens community rate. Other plans cover households, youth, seniors and walking-track-only access.
5. Do veterans receive free membership?
Yes. Veterans and retired military personnel receive free annual memberships when they provide a DD214 or VA card. Active-duty military personnel may receive a free day pass with military ID.
6. Does Athens Community Center have a fitness room and walking track?
Yes. Members can use the fitness room, indoor track and eligible gym facilities. A walking-only membership is also available.
7. Can I play indoor pickleball at Athens Community Center?
Yes. The center has indoor pickleball courts. One designated court can be reserved for $10 per hour at least one day in advance. Players must also meet the normal facility admission requirement.
8. Can I rent a room for a meeting or birthday party?
Yes. The center offers conference, arts, exercise, gym and multipurpose spaces for approved events. Rates vary by renter category and room. Rental requests should be submitted at least one week in advance.
9. How do I register for recreation classes?
Register through the Athens recreation online catalog, at the community center front desk or by calling 740-592-3325. Online registration may include a service fee.
10. Is Athens Community Center accessible and served by public transportation?
Yes. The facility has accessible parking, entrances, first-floor restrooms, an elevator and an accessible track. The community center is also a recognized GoBus stop at 701 East State Street.