LeisureLink
LeisureLink: The City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation Weekly Newsletter
October 6 - October 12, 2025
Hickory Dickory Park Reopens with Major Upgrades
Hickory Dickory Park is now open following a series of exciting improvements aimed at enhancing both the visitor experience and the surrounding environment.
Thanks to a grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management—and in partnership with Auburn University and the City’s Water Resource Management team—the park has received several key upgrades, including:
- Streambank restoration to reduce erosion and improve water quality
- New rain gardens for better stormwater management
- A connecting footpath from the park to the Hickory Lane cul-de-sac
- Additional picnic tables for increased public use
- An upgraded gutter system on the restroom building
- Fresh sod and a new irrigation system for improved landscaping
The playground also received updates, including fresh paint, power washing and equipment repairs.
All areas of the park, including the playground and parking lot, are now open and ready for use. The City of Auburn thanks the community for its patience during the project and invites everyone to come out and enjoy the improved space.
Lake Wilmore Park Opens Six Additional Pickleball Courts
Pickleball players, take note! Lake Wilmore Park has officially opened six new pickleball courts, expanding the facility to a total of 18 covered and lit courts available for public use, free of charge. The courts are open daily from sunrise to 9 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, unless otherwise reserved or used for a Parks and Recreation program.
Restrooms are available inside the recreation center during regular facility hours. During peak times, players are encouraged to follow court rotation guidelines to ensure fair play for everyone.
The City of Auburn thanks the community for its continued support and patience as this exciting addition to Lake Wilmore Park was completed.
Basketball Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2025–26 City of Auburn Youth and High School Basketball season is open now and will remain open through Thursday, October 16. Don’t miss your shot to be part of the action!
For more information and to register please visit auburnal.myrec.com.
Stay in the Know with Our New Pickleball E-Notifier
Love pickleball? Don’t miss a beat! Auburn Parks and Recreation has launched a new Pickleball E-notifier to keep players updated on open play schedules, events, cancellations, and more.
Sign up today to get the latest pickleball news delivered straight to your inbox.
For more information and to subscribe, visit: auburnal.gov/enotifier.
Artist Harvest Exhibition Reception and Market This Thursday, October 9.
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites you to a festive evening of art, community, and seasonal celebration at the Artist’s Harvest Gallery Reception, Costume Sale, and Market on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 5:30–8 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC).
Guests can enjoy a gallery reception featuring autumn- and Halloween-themed artwork by local artists, along with seasonal refreshments in Gallery 2. Outside on the patio, a vibrant market will showcase handcrafted goods created by artists affiliated with JDCAC, including members of the Ceramics Independent Studio, Open Studio participants, and instructors.
Inside the Performance Room, the Auburn Area Community Theatre will host a unique costume sale with fun and affordable finds—just in time for Halloween.
The Artist’s Harvest exhibition will be on display from Oct. 1 through Nov. 4 in Gallery 2. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artists and get into the spirit of the season!
Auburn Community Orchestra Fall Masterworks – Oct. 14 at Gogue Performing Arts Center
The Auburn Community Orchestra invites you to its Fall Masterworks concert on Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. at the Woltosz Theatre, located in the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.
Enjoy a vibrant evening of classical and contemporary works, including pieces by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and more. The concert will also feature Ashlynn “Cricket” Hayes as trumpet soloist in The Trumpeter’s Lullaby.
Led by Dr. Rusty Logan, the ACO brings together local talent to present a performance that’s perfect for music lovers of all ages.
This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Reserve yours at goguecenter.evenue.net or visit the GPAC Box Office.
Parks and Recreation Staff Attended the NRPA Conference.
Last week, five members of our Parks and Recreation staff traveled to Orlando for the 2025 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference! The NRPA Conference is the leading national event for parks and recreation professionals, uniting thousands of leaders to exchange the newest innovations, research, and best practices.
By prioritizing professional development, we empower our staff with new insights and resources to bring back to Auburn—helping to improve our programs, facilities, and services for the community.
We’re proud of our team for showcasing Auburn at the national level and are excited to apply the knowledge and inspiration gained!
Join Us for the Final Downtown Trick or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 30
Join Auburn Parks and Recreation for one last magical evening at Downtown Trick or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6–8 p.m. Enjoy trick-or-treating, live entertainment, festive surprises, and a costume contest at 6:30 p.m. for kids, families, and groups.
This free, family-friendly event marks the final Downtown Trick or Treat, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the tradition!
Neighborhood Trick or Treat will also take place during the same time for safety ahead of Auburn’s home football weekend.
Costumes encouraged — creativity welcomed!
Fall Live & Local Concert Series at Kiesel Park!
The season of great music and good vibes is still going strong! Join us on Thursday, October 9, at Kiesel Park for the next installment of the Fall Live & Local Concert Series. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and a relaxing evening with family and friends—completely free! Just bring your lawn chair or blanket, find a comfortable spot, and soak in the sounds.
Dates and Band Lineup:
- October 9: The Tony Brook Band
- October 16: Soul Co.
All are welcome, the event will be held at Kiesel Park from 5:30- 7 p.m. We recommend getting there early to secure a great spot to enjoy the concert!
Kiesel Park is located at 520 Chadwick Ln Auburn, AL 36832. For more information about the event contact Jarrett Y. Jones at (334) 501- 2941 or Jyjones@auburnalabama.org. For more information about Auburn Parks and Recreation programs or events visit auburnal.gov/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.
Lake Wilmore Park Pool to close for upgrades beginning Oct. 1
The pool at Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center will close beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1, for the final phase of construction on the pool enclosure that is expected to last into early 2026.
The project will include installing roll-up doors and a dehumidification system, allowing the pool to fully function year-round. These upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the facility and improve the overall experience for members and guests.
During the closure, yearly All-Inclusive memberships will not be available for purchase. Existing yearly memberships will automatically be extended by one month for each month the pool is closed.
Monthly memberships will be offered at a reduced rate:
- Individual Monthly and Monthly Auto Draft: $10/month
- Family Monthly and Monthly Auto Draft: $30/month
- Individual Daily Passes: $5/day
These discounted rates provide continued access to other amenities at the Boykin Community Center, Frank Brown Recreation Center and Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center while the pool is undergoing improvements.
For more information about the project and updates on reopening, please contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at webparksrec@auburnal.gov or 334-501-2930.
Auburn Parks and Recreation membership opportunities
The City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department is excited to introduce a new membership structure designed to provide greater access and affordability for residents to enjoy Parks and Recreation facilities.
This update coincides with the addition of the Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center, a brand-new facility featuring a fitness center, indoor track, basketball courts, pickleball courts and pool.
Auburn Parks and Recreation has designed membership plans for every lifestyle — from those looking for a fitness upgrade to families seeking fun and wellness.
Membership options for Auburn residents (must live or work in Auburn)
Lake Wilmore Pickleball Courts Now Open. Free Amenities Membership: Includes access to free-play basketball at Boykin Community Center (BCC), Dean Road Recreation Center (DRRC), Frank Brown Recreation Center (FBRC) and Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center (LWP), as well as the eSports room, game room and racquetball court at FBRC.
Annual registration is required for this free membership, which is available at auburnal.gov/register.
Paid Memberships: Includes access to all fitness centers (BCC, FBRC and LWP), indoor walking track (LWP), aquatic facilities (LWP and Samford Pool), free-play basketball (BCC, DRRC, FBRC, LW) and additional amenities at Frank Brown Recreation Center (eSports room, game room and racquetball court).
Individual Memberships
$20/month or $200/year
Family Memberships (includes up to six household members)
$60/month or $600/year
Add-On Member: $10/month per additional person
Low-Income Discount (Medicaid Card Holders)
50% off membership fees
SilverSneakers® Members (65+) – Available for registration beginning April 1, 2025
Membership is FREE if the individual is eligible through a qualifying Medicare Advantage or supplement plan. To check if you are eligible, visit tools.silversneakers.com/Eligibility/CheckEligibility.
Fitness Membership to BCC and FBRC ONLY
$30/person/year
Options for non-residents & non-members
Daily Pass: $10 per day grants access to all fitness centers, indoor track and pools
Pool Daily Pass: $5 per day grants access to both pools (LWP and SP)
Current membership holders
Current memberships at Boykin Community Center and Frank Brown Recreation Center will be honored for those facilities ONLY. However, members interested in accessing Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center or the pools (LWP and SP) will need to purchase a new membership and will receive a one-time $30 discount off their first annual membership purchase.
Membership access
Membership is non-refundable, non-transferable and can only be used by the card holder.
Children ages 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using the fitness centers.
Purchase your membership
Membership cards can be picked up from the Frank Brown Recreation Center or Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center.
For cash payments, please visit the Harris Center. Please note, those paying in cash will still be required to complete the online registration for membership.
Future opening phases
Other elements of Lake Wilmore — including the pickleball courts, multipurpose fields and mountain bike trails — will continue to open throughout the year as different components of the project are completed. Visitors are reminded to stay away from active construction zones on the property for everyone’s safety.
Please stay tuned for further announcements regarding upcoming events, activities and future opening dates. The City thanks the community for its patience and support as it ensures the facility meets the highest quality standards.
For more information, please contact 334-501-2930 or registration@auburnal.gov, visit auburnal.gov/parks. or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.
Auburn Parks and Recreation seeking talented instructors
Auburn Parks and Recreation is looking for qualified contract instructors to teach classes and programs in the community. The department is seeking passionate individuals with expertise in fitness, arts, sports and recreation to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with Auburn residents.
Auburn Parks and Recreation offers a diverse range of programs and activities for people of all ages and abilities. The department is looking for instructors to lead classes in areas such as:
Fitness: Aquatics, Low Impact, Teen Fitness and Preschool Fitness
Wellness: Nutrition Education, Stress Management, Support Group Leaders and Mindfulness Workshops
Senior Programs: Mahjong, Bunco, Fitness, Music, etc.
Special Needs Programs: Art, Writing, Finance, Dance, etc.
Special Interests: Homeschool Leaders, CPR/First Aid, ACT Prep, etc.
Athletics: Youth League Coaches, Tennis Instructors, Special Olympics Coaches
Qualified candidates should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as a proven ability to create engaging and effective learning environments. Experience in teaching group classes is preferred but not required. References, and in some cases certifications, will be required.
Interested individuals may email Community and Special Programs Administrator Gabby Filgo at gfilgo@auburnal.gov.
Auburn Parks and Recreation is accepting reservation requests online
Auburn Parks and Recreation is now accepting facility and park reservation requests online. Those who wish to reserve a facility, athletic facility, or park pavilion can complete their application for request using their online account at auburnal.myrec.com.
Please make all requests at least two weeks prior to the desired reservation date in order to leave time for the approval process. Requests must be reviewed and approved by the facility director and department director. Once approved, payments can be made online using a credit card or by cash or check in-person at the Harris Center.
Yarbrough Tennis Center Updates
Visit YTC News for the latest at the Yarbrough Tennis Center