LeisureLink

LeisureLink: The City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation Weekly Newsletter

April 1-6, 2025

Auburn Parks and Recreation offers new membership options along side opening of Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center

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 residents are invited to register for a two-week free trial, which will begin on March 17, for the fitness center, indoor track and pool. Those portions of the facility will open to members and daily pass holders beginning on April 1. Details on registering for the free trial and membership options can be found below.

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)

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 auburnalabama.org/parks/registration.

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

Memberships are available for purchase with membership access beginning April 1, 2025.

Membership cards can be picked up from the Frank Brown Recreation Center or Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center beginning March 17, 2025.

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@auburnalabama.org, visit auburnalabama.org/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.

Registration opens Tuesday, April 1 for the 31st Annual Fishing Rodeo

Get ready to cast your line at the 31st Annual Fishing Rodeo, sponsored by Evans Realty! This family favorite returns on Saturday, May 3 from 7–11 a.m. at the Auburn Technology Park South Lake. Registration opens April 1 for Auburn residents and April 14 for non-residents, and spots fill up fast—so don’t wait! The first 175 children (ages 14 and under) to register will receive a free rod and reel, and bait will be provided by Auburn Parks and Recreation. With prizes awarded for the biggest, smallest, and most fish caught, it’s sure to be a fun-filled morning for all. Entry is just $5 per child, with age categories of 0–3, 4–6, 7–10, and 11–14. Pre-registration is required, so visit auburnal.myrec.com or auburnalabama.org/parks to secure your spot today! For more information contact Trevor Culligan, Community Program Coordinator at (334) 501-2948 or tculligan@auburnalabama.org.

Registration  for Auburn Parks and Recreation Easter Events Now Open

Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to invite the community to join in the celebration of the Easter season with two fun-filled events: the 4th Annual Breakfast with the Bunny and the 45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. These popular events offer a chance for families to make lasting memories while celebrating this festive time of year. Registration for both events is open on MyRec.

Breakfast the Bunny is sold out. You can still register your children 5 and under for the Easter Egg Hunt.

The 45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will follow on Saturday, April 19, at Duck Samford Baseball Park, where thousands of eggs will be hidden across the fields for participants to find. With a variety of age groups and exciting prizes, this event is sure to be a highlight of the season!

Upcoming Tournaments This Weekend at Auburn Parks and Recreation facilities

Auburn Parks and Recreation facilities will be buzzing with activity this weekend as we welcome several youth sports tournaments to town! Join us in cheering on young athletes and enjoy a weekend of competitive fun:

Raptor Youth Basketball Tournament

🏀 April 5–6 at the Frank Brown Recreation Center and Wire Road Soccer Complex

Grand Slam Future Prospects Baseball Tournament

⚾ April 5–6 at Duck Samford Park

MVP Fastpitch Softball Tournament

🥎 April 5–6 at the Auburn Softball Complex

Come out and support the teams as they compete across Auburn's top-tier facilities!

SummerNight Downtown Art Walk applications and sponsorships now open

Mark your calendars for one of Auburn’s favorite summer traditions—the 19th Annual SummerNight Downtown Art Walk, happening Friday, June 6 from 6–10 p.m.! This vibrant, family-friendly festival transforms downtown Auburn into a bustling arts district, featuring local and regional artists, live music, delicious food, and interactive activities for all ages. Hosted by the City of Auburn/Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, and St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, SummerNight is a celebration of creativity and community in the heart of our city.

This year’s theme celebrates the great outdoors, and culinary artists are invited to join the fun by entering the Marshmallow Mania Culinary Contest—get creative with your favorite marshmallow treat for a chance to win! Artists, businesses, volunteers, and food vendors can register starting March 19 at auburnsummernight.org or auburnal.myrec.com. Vendor applications are due by May 28, and marshmallow contest entries are due June 6 by 11 a.m. Want to support the arts and promote your business? Sponsorship opportunities are available—contact Emillie Dombrowski at edombrowski@auburnalabama.org or 334-501-2963 to get involved!

2025 Auburn Parks and Recreation Summer Brochure now available

Get ready for a summer full of fun, adventure, and community with the 2025 Auburn Parks and Recreation Summer Brochure—now available in print and online! Whether you're looking for exciting camps for the kids, engaging programs for adults 50+, or ways to stay active with aquatics, fitness, and art classes, there’s something for everyone this season.

Summer program registration begins Monday, May 5, so be sure to plan ahead and secure your spot early. Pick up a printed copy of the brochure at the Auburn Public Library, any Parks and Recreation facility, or City Hall. You can also view the full brochure online for easy access anytime, anywhere.

Don’t miss out on everything Auburn Parks and Recreation has to offer this summer!

Call for entries for the 2025 May Invitational Exhibition: Color in the Garden

Area professional, student, and amateur artists and craft persons 18 years and older are invited to submit up to two original, theme-reflected works for possible inclusion in the 2025 May Invitational Exhibition: Color in the Garden. Submissions may be two- or three-dimensional in any style or medium—including photographic and digital—with creative interpretations of gardens, color, and nature-inspired subjects encouraged. All 2-D works must be framed and properly prepared for hanging; 3-D works must be stable and ready for display. There is no entry fee, and works may be available for sale. Entries must be hand-delivered to the Art Gallery at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on Tuesday, May 6 or Wednesday, May 7 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. A public reception will be held during the exhibition. For more information, contact Sara Custer, Cultural Arts Administrator, at 334-501-2963 or scuster@auburnalabama.org.

Inaugural Juried Ceramics Exhibition

The City of Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Auburn Arts Association invite you to experience the Inaugural Juried Ceramics Exhibition at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Art Gallery! This exciting new exhibition showcases a diverse selection of ceramic works from talented artists and will be on display through April 11, 2025.

This exhibition is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the creativity and craftsmanship of ceramic art. Don't miss your chance to visit and appreciate these one-of-a-kind pieces!

For more information, please contact us at 334-501-2944 or email edombrowski@auburnalabama.org.

Auburn Parks and Recreation hiring summer camp counselors and lifeguards

Auburn Parks and Recreation is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as summer camp counselors and lifeguards! We’re hiring for Camp Kaleidoscope, Camp Wilmore, Camp Quest, and our Therapeutics camps, where you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of local youth. As a camp counselor, you’ll lead exciting activities, assist with daily operations, and help create a welcoming and inclusive environment that ensures every camper has a summer to remember.

We’re also seeking dedicated lifeguards to work at our city pool facilities, helping community members enjoy their summer to the fullest. Whether you’re passionate about working with kids or skilled at managing pool operations, these positions offer the chance to develop leadership skills, work in a dynamic team environment, and make a difference in your community. Don’t miss out on this rewarding opportunity—apply today at Government Jobs Auburn and join us for an unforgettable summer!

USTA Alabama honors local Auburn Tennis Players

On Saturday, February 8, several Auburn community members were recognized by USTA Alabama at their annual meeting and awards ceremony at the Vestavia Hills Country Club. The Family of the Year was awarded to the Park/Kim Family, the Female League Captain of the Year was awarded to Catherine Williams, the Female Player of the Year was awarded to Tomoko Maeda, and our very own Sarah Hill was recognized with the Marilyn Sherman Spirit Award. The Marilyn Sherman Spirit Award is given annually to a staff member or volunteer who exemplifies extraordinary spirit in growing the game of tennis and the award is named for Marilyn Sherman, a long-time USTA Southern Director of Adult Competition and Leagues. We are thrilled to have so many from Auburn recognized on a state level and are thankful for their commitment to growing the game of tennis and their support of the Yarbrough Tennis Center. And we are especially proud of Sarah for being recognized for her enthusiasm and dedication to growing league play at the tennis center.

City Market Vendor Applications now available

Are you a local grower or artisan wanting to share your products with those in the community? Apply to be a vendor at Auburn Parks and Recreation's 2025 City Market!

City Market vendor applications are now open. City Market will be held every Saturday from May 24 to Aug. 30 at Town Creek Park from 8-11 a.m. Vendor set-up begins at 7 a.m.

Farmers, growers and artists who are interested in participating in the City Market must fill out an online application or apply in-person at the Harris Center located at 425 Perry St.

For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket.

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@auburnalabama.org.

Auburn Parks and Recreation accepting reservation request 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.

Frank Brown Recreation Center Membership Card Required to play racquetball and free basketball

Auburn Parks and Recreation now requires membership cards for free play basketball and racquetball.

Free play basketball and racquetball at Frank Brown Recreation Center are open free of charge to citizens who live, work or attend school within the city limits of Auburn, AL and to non-citizens for a one-time $30.00 fee. A membership must be acquired for free play basketball and racquetball regardless of age. Replacement cards will cost $30.00 regardless of residency. The membership card is non-transferable and can only be used by the card holder. You must be at least 13 years of age to participate in free play basketball and 15 years of age to participate in racquetball. Children ages 13-18 must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian at the time of application.

Memberships can be obtained at the Harris Center Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can register for a membership at auburnalabama.org/parks/register. To view a membership application, including a list of acceptable proof of residency documents, visit auburnalabama.org/parks.

Frank Brown Recreation Center is open Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m. The Frank Brown Recreation Center is located at 235 Opelika Road. For more information call 334-501-2962.

Yarbrough Tennis Center Updates

Visit YTC News for the latest at the Yarbrough Tennis Center