Foundation Launches Fund to Boost Disc Golf Facilities in Athens County, Ohio

Shayne Lopez • December 18, 2023

Help make Disc Golf a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Athens County!

In an exciting initiative to enhance outdoor recreation and promote healthy lifestyles, a new fund has been established within the Athens County Foundation to support the development of disc golf facilities in Athens County. This endeavor aims to not only attract tourists but also encourage local residents to engage in an affordable and enjoyable sport that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits.

 

The Benefits of Disc Golf

Disc golf, a rapidly growing sport, provides a safe and full-body exercise that contributes to weight loss, improved heart health, and enhanced mood and energy levels. Beyond the physical advantages, playing disc golf promotes a connection with nature, leading to reduced stress, better sleep, and increased creativity. Furthermore, participants experience heightened self-confidence, strengthened social connections, and overall improved mental health.

 

Supporting Community Well-being

The establishment of disc golf facilities is not only a boon for sports enthusiasts but also a strategic move to support the well-being of the community. As individuals engage in this affordable, accessible, and inclusive sport, they contribute to the creation of a healthier and more connected community.

 

Project Details

The foundation’s fund will channel donations into projects aimed at expanding the number of disc golf assets within the community. Two significant projects have been identified for funding:

  1. Beginner/Short Course at Athens Public Library:

    Goal: $4,000

    The first project focuses on creating a beginner-friendly disc golf course at the Athens Public Library. This course aims to introduce individuals to the sport with a manageable level of difficulty, promoting inclusivity for all ages and skill levels.

    The library will also provide discs for borrowing, allowing people to try disc golf for free and encouraging widespread participation.

  2. Athens Community Center Course:

    Goal: $10,000
    The second project targets the development of a disc golf course in collaboration with the Athens Community Center. This initiative aims to create a more extensive and challenging course to cater to the needs of both beginners and seasoned players.

 

The goal is to raise $4,000 by February 1, with the ambitious plan of having the Athens Public Library course set up for spring 2024 play.

 

By contributing to this fund, individuals have the opportunity to be part of a transformative initiative that not only boosts tourism but also promotes healthy lifestyles and community well-being. The establishment of disc golf facilities in Athens County holds the promise of creating a more vibrant and connected community, with tangible physical and mental health benefits for all. Let’s come together to support this exciting venture and make disc golf a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Athens County, Ohio.

 

Emily Prince is ACF's New Communications and Engagement Manager

By Shayne Lopez • December 4, 2025
The Athens County Foundation is excited to welcome Emily Prince as our new Communications and Engagement Manager. With a background rooted in arts leadership, nonprofit service, and collaborative storytelling, Emily brings a dynamic and deeply community-centered approach to her new role. Emily’s professional journey has included roles such as Operations Director at Stuart’s Opera House, Training and Activation Director for Air Collaborative, and Program Specialist at Arts West. She has also served as Education and Development Director at Stuart’s Opera House, contributing to the growth and sustainability of arts and cultural programming in the region. "I am over the moon and honored to be creating this new role at the Athens County Foundation,” Prince said. “After having been involved with the Foundation one way or another since I participated in the inaugural class of Leadership Athens County, it feels like coming home." Her earlier career began in New York where she worked as a producer, stage manager, actor, director, casting director, and dramaturge. These diverse roles helped shape her belief in the importance of story, creativity, and collaboration as tools for change. Since returning to Athens County in 2005, Emily has continued to lead with heart and vision—graduating from the inaugural Leadership Athens County class, co-chairing its alumni network, and serving on numerous boards, including the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and the Nelsonville Rotary Club. Emily lives on a farm in Athens County with her husband and sons, where she enjoys crafting, writing, and supporting creative projects that enrich local life. “Emily brings more than communications experience; she brings a way of working that reflects our values of courage, inclusion, trust, collaboration, and hope,” said Kerry Pigman, Executive Director. “Her approach will help deepen relationships, build stronger community ties, and engage more people in more places across Athens County.” From the stages of New York to the heart of Appalachia, Emily has used her voice to lift up others and create spaces where ideas and people thrive. She brings a deep belief in the power of connection, and we’re excited for her to help us engage more people in more places across Athens County. Through storytelling, creative outreach, and authentic collaboration, Emily will help share the incredible voices of our region and strengthen the bonds that move us forward together. In her role at ACF, Emily will lead communications and outreach strategies that align with the Foundation’s mission to build on the strengths of our community, advancing participation and collaboration to address longstanding challenges and pursue extraordinary opportunities. We’re honored to have Emily join the ACF team and look forward to the impact she will make through her storytelling, engagement, and leadership.

Athens Armory opens as new home to Athens County Foundation and BlueDot Coworking

By Mary Reed • October 2, 2025
September 30 open house draws stakeholders and community members alike.
Map of the U.S. with blue dots representing 2025 Civic Hub Grantee locations, sponsored by the Trust for Civic Life.

Athens County Foundation Recognized as One of 26 Civic Hubs Nationwide

September 26, 2025
Big Announcement: Athens County Foundation Receives National Recognition