LeisureLink
LeisureLink: The City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation Weekly Newsletter
June 9-15, 2025
Family Splash at Samford and Lake Wilmore pools rescheduled to Sat., June 21
Make a splash with the whole family during Family Splash Day—a FREE day of fun at Samford Pool or Lake Wilmore Pool! Bring your swimsuits, sunscreen, and playful spirit for family-friendly games, prizes, and everyone's favorite: Lifeguard Bingo (don’t forget to grab your card!). Join us Saturday as Samford Pool is open from 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m., while Lake Wilmore Pool welcomes swimmers from 8–11:30 a.m. Dive into summer fun with Auburn Parks and Recreation!
Samford Pool now open and Lake Wilmore Pool hours
Grab your googles and get ready to jump off the high dive!
Samford Pool will officially open for the summer season! Whether you're here to swim a few laps or just splash around and have some fun — check out the pool hours below!
Samford Pool Hours:
🔹 Mon–Fri
• Lap: 5:30–7 AM (Fri till 9 AM)
• Rec: 9 AM–8 PM (Tues/Thurs till 5 PM, Fri till 7 PM)
🔹 Thurs: Extra Lap Swim 5 PM–8 PM
🔹 Sat
• Lap: 8–11 AM
• Rec: 11:30 AM–5 PM
🔹 Sun
• Lap: 12–2 PM
• Rec: 2:30–5 PM
Lake Wilmore (Open Swim Only):
• Mon–Fri: 6–10:30 AM
• Mon/Thurs/Fri: 2–4:30 PM (Fri till 5 PM)
• Sat: 8–11:30 AM
• Sun: 1–5:30 PM
Two pools. One great summer. See you there, Auburn!
Float-In-Movie Samford Pool June 21
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to dive into summer fun with the first Float-In-Movie of the season on Saturday, June 21 at Samford Pool (465 Wrights Mill Road). Enjoy a screening of Aquamarine, a lighthearted mermaid comedy perfect for all ages.
Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, and concessions will be available. Bring your favorite float to relax in the pool or a chair for poolside viewing!
Mark your calendars for more Float-In-Movies this summer:
Saturday, July 12 – The Sandlot
Saturday, August 2 – Night at the Museum
For details, contact Maura Toohey at (334) 521‑0064 or mtoohey@auburnalabama.org. Learn more at auburnal.gov/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.
Independence Day Celebration Friday, July 4
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to come together for an evening of patriotic fun at the annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4, 2025, behind the home side of Duck Samford Stadium. This FREE event, generously sponsored by Shinhwa Auto USA and the Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, will kick off at 5 p.m. and feature family-friendly activities including inflatables, face painting, free giveaways, and more. A variety of food vendors will be on-site with delicious treats available for purchase while guests enjoy live music from a band and the one and only D.J. OZZ. The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show, expected to begin between 9 and 9:15 p.m., depending on nightfall.
Please note that the parking lot off East University Drive next to Duck Samford Baseball Fields 1–3 will be closed to the public to accommodate the fireworks shoot site. Public parking will be available at 333 Airport Road, in the lot shared by Bo Cavin Fields and the New Duck Fields. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 5, and will feature fireworks only.
For more information, contact Jarrett Jones, Recreation Center Coordinator at Frank Brown Recreation Center, at 334-501-2941 or jyjones@auburnal.gov. To learn more about Auburn Parks and Recreation events and programs, visit auburnal.gov/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.
Pickleball Courts closure to begin May 27
Pickleball courts at the Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center will be closed in pairs beginning May 27 to facilitate continuing work to finish the facility. Work is scheduled to be complete by June 1, weather and conditions permitting.
Work will begin at the southwest courts moving to the middle and northern courts, with two adjacent courts closed at a time.
We appreciate the patience of Lake Wilmore visitors as we work to complete this amenity for Auburn residents.
Please remember, this site will be considered an active construction site throughout the duration of the project. Please follow all posted signage.
For more information, please contact 334-501-2930, visit auburnal.gov/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.
Color in the Garden Exhibition on Display through June 21 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
.jpg)
The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and the Auburn Arts Association invite the public to explore the 2025 May Invitational Exhibition, Color in the Garden, on display May 14–June 21 at the JDCAC gallery. This vibrant showcase features a variety of two- and three-dimensional works by local artists, each offering a unique interpretation of the colors and beauty found in a garden. From bold florals to subtle natural tones, the exhibition celebrates creativity inspired by the outdoors. The JDCAC is located at 222 East Drake Avenue and is open to the public during regular gallery hours.
Weekend Events & Tournaments at Auburn Parks and Facilities
Get ready for a packed week of excitement with Auburn Parks and Recreation! Over 700 athletes from across Alabama will take the courts during the USTA Alabama State League 40’s Championship, June 12–15 at Yarbrough Tennis Center. Watch as top players serve up skill and strategy in this must-see tournament for tennis fans! Then, cool off with the whole family at Family Splash on Friday, June 14—a FREE celebration of summer fun at Samford Pool (11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Lake Wilmore Pool (8–11:30 a.m.). Enjoy games, prizes, and the always-popular Lifeguard Bingo—just don’t forget your card! And don’t forget to swing by City Market every Saturday through August 30 from 8–11 a.m. at Town Creek Park, where local growers and makers bring fresh finds and handmade goods to the community.
City Market every Saturday this summer through August 30
City Market returns for the summer season! Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community, growers, and consumers alike to join us at Town Creek Park every Saturday until August 30th from 8 - 11 a.m. The market will host local farmers, growers and artists to sell their produce and handmade products. FREE to the public.
Registration for summer classes continues
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 has begun 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. Visit auburnal.myrec.com to register.
Don’t miss out on everything Auburn Parks and Recreation has to offer this summer!
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 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 OpenFree 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.
City Market vendor application information
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 auburnal.gov/parks/programs/city-market/.
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 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.
Yarbrough Tennis Center Updates
Visit YTC News for the latest at the Yarbrough Tennis Center