LeisureLink
LeisureLink: The City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation Weekly Newsletter
November 24 - November 30, 2025
Registration open for Jingle Jog 5k and Santa Stroll
The City of Auburn thanks the community for its continued support and patience as this exciting addition to Lake Wilmore Park was completed.
Join us for the annual Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Stroll Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at Toomer’s Corner! Kick off the holiday season with a festive walk, run or stroll through the heart of Auburn—ugly sweaters and Santa hats encouraged! The Santa Stroll Fun Run will begin at 6:30 a.m., followed by the Jingle Jog 5K at 7 a.m. Participants who register by Nov. 16 will be guaranteed to receive an exclusive 2025 Jingle Jog T-shirt.
Registration Details:
Santa Stroll Fun Run:
- Oct. 27–Nov. 26: $20
- Nov. 27–Dec. 4: $25
- Day-of (Dec. 6): $35
Jingle Jog 5K:
- Oct. 27–Nov. 26: $30
- Nov. 27–Dec. 4: $35
- Day-of (Dec. 6): $45
Day-of registration begins at 5 a.m. in front of Whataburger and closes at 6 a.m. for the Santa Stroll and 6:30 a.m. for the Jingle Jog.
Awards for top finishers will be presented at 8 a.m. at Toomer’s Corner.
Register today at auburnal.myrec.com and join us for a morning of movement, music, and holiday cheer!
Now on Display: Fall Open Invitational Exhibition – Mixed Media
Visit the Fall Open Invitational Exhibition: Mixed Media and experience a stunning variety of wall works that blend multiple art forms and materials. This annual showcase features original pieces by local professional, student, and amateur artists, highlighting the creativity and talent within our community.
The exhibition is free and open to the public through December 20. Don’t miss your chance to explore this dynamic display of mixed media art!
Thanksgiving Holiday Closures
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27. Facilities will also be closed on Friday, Nov. 28, except for the Yarbrough Tennis Center, which will be open until 4 p.m.
In addition, all facilities—excluding the Yarbrough Tennis Center, which will close at 2 p.m., and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, which will close at 9 p.m.—will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
All City of Auburn parks, playgrounds and cemeteries will remain open from sunrise to sunset throughout the holiday period; however, reservations will be unavailable in accordance with City holiday closures.
2026 Auburn CityFest Vendor and Sponsorship Applications are Now Open
Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that vendor applications for the 25th annual Auburn CityFest are now open! Auburn CityFest—our largest annual outdoor festival—will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Kiesel Park.
Applications are available online only at auburnal.myrec.com for the following categories:
- Food vendors
- Arts and crafts vendors (handcrafted items only)
- Nonprofit organizations
- Sponsorships
All applicants will be placed on a waitlist upon submission. Once applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of their acceptance or denial. Please note that past participation does not guarantee acceptance for 2026.
Auburn CityFest is a beloved community tradition featuring more than 100 art exhibitors, live entertainment, children’s activities, delicious food and more. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of Auburn’s premier outdoor festival!
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.
Ho Ho Ho Hike and Holiday Celebration tickets still available
Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us for the Ho Ho Ho Hike & Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center.
Enjoy nature-themed crafts, performances, cookies, hot chocolate, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don’t miss the festive hike and “Santa-hunt.”
Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 3, at auburn.edu/preserve ($15 per person ages 2 and older; children 23 months and younger are free with an adult ticket). Adult tickets must be purchased first before adding child or infant tickets.
This event sells out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets early.
Letters to Santa – Drop Off has Begun
The holiday season is almost here, and Auburn Parks and Recreation is inviting children to participate in the annual Letters to Santa program! Starting Monday, Nov. 17, children can drop off their letters at designated mailboxes at the following facilities:
- Harris Center – 425 Perry St.
- Boykin Community Center – 400 Boykin St.
- Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center – 2000 Grove Hill Rd., Suite 200
Each child who submits a letter will receive a personalized response from Santa delivered directly to their home. To ensure delivery before Christmas, all letters must be placed in the mailboxes by Monday, Dec. 15. No postage required—just include the child’s name and a complete return address.
Lake Wilmore Park Pool is Closed for Upgrades
The pool at Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center is now closed 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.
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Yarbrough Tennis Center Updates
Visit YTC News for the latest at the Yarbrough Tennis Center