History of Augusta Hills

While searching for a place to walk indoors during winter, Albion-area residents Bill and Marilyn Emmert realized that the closest facility was a 20-minute drive away. As they talked with friends and neighbors and conducted surveys, a vision emerged to serve the community with a facility that promises health, learning and inclusiveness in Albion. The community embraced the vision and six acres of property and two buildings were donated for the Center.

Long before the August Hills Learning, Recreation and Community Center became a realty, the site served as a place to come together and form a community. Augusta Hills Golf Course was founded and operated here from the 1970's until 2008. At its height, the course was bustling with avid golfers from near and far, with a variety of leagues, competitions, and charitable events held here. In 2012, the property was sold and allowed to return to a more natural state, as former greens and fairways became farm fields once again. For a time, the Lodge and outbuildings were used by private owners to care for and enjoy horses, too. This area was originally platted by William H. Holmes, George Whittaker, Thomas Gale and R.H. Colcrick in 1837 and called "Augusta". The new community was intended to eventually include a "public square" with a street surrounding it to be 80 feet wide. Other streets were envisioned to be 60 feet wide. Four lots were donated for schools and churches to follow.

Noble County's first courthouse was completed in Augusta in 1840. It was a frame building, the pride of the people, and better than any other courthouse in the area. A jail was also constructed here. Augusta eventually grew to include two hotels, several lawyers, several stores, mills and factories. Augusta would probably still be the center of government in Noble County had the courthouse not burned in 1843. Once it did, the town became deserted. By 1850 the entire plat was reverted to farm land and would remain that way for decades.

Augusta Hills Learning, Recreation and Community Center held a soft opening on April 1, 2021 and celebrated the grand opening with an Open House on May 1, 2021. The history of Augusta makes it that much sweeter to know people will have a reason and place to gather once again, to form a "community"!

Our mission

To create a welcoming and inclusive community center that inspires learning, recreation, and connection by providing safe, accessible, and affordable opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Our vision

To strengthen and enrich the community’s physical, social, and emotional well-being by fostering connection, wellness, and lifelong engagement.

Our Values

Inclusiveness: We foster an environment that welcomes each individual, no matter their perspective, interests, talents or identity.

Healthy Lifestyles: We enhance individuals’ wellbeing by offering opportunities for positive behaviors toward lifelong healthy living.

Affordable: We aim to keep all programs and amenities at a cost where every individual has an opportunity to participate.

Learning: We offer growth opportunities for the betterment of an individual’s work and/or personal life.

Fun: We encourage a culture of play that is enjoyable, entertaining, social and an overall gratifying experience.

Our Board Members

Board members in a nonprofit organization play a crucial role in steering the mission, safeguarding the organization’s integrity, and ensuring long‑term sustainability. They provide strategic oversight, help set priorities, and hold the executive leadership accountable for results. A strong board brings together diverse skills—finance, governance, fundraising, community engagement—to guide decision‑making and strengthen the organization’s impact. Beyond oversight, board members often serve as ambassadors, building relationships, advocating for the mission, and opening doors to resources that help the nonprofit thrive.

James Sprague

President

Marilyn Emmert

Vice President

Abby Lindsey

Secretary

Tara Norris

Treasurer

Amy Leedy

Member

Shane Coney

Member

John Wakeman

Member

Our Staff Members

These hardworking individuals keep Augusta Hills running smoothly. They greet all members and the general public with a warm smile, always ready to answer questions and offer support. Their dedication, friendliness, and commitment to service help create the welcoming environment that makes Augusta Hills such a special place.