LeisureLink
LeisureLink: The City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation Weekly Newsletter
July 28-August 3, 2025
Itty Bitty Auburn Scavenger Hunt begins Fri., August 1
It’s time to put your puzzle-solving skills to the test! Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to participate in the Itty-Bitty Auburn Scavenger Hunt beginning Friday, Aug. 1.
Participants can pick up a scavenger hunt worksheet at any Auburn Parks and Recreation facility, download it from the City of Auburn website, or view details on the City’s Facebook page. The worksheet includes 22 itty-bitty sites scattered throughout Auburn. Each location hides a clue, and solving all 22 clues reveals a secret phrase.
All participants must register by Saturday, Aug. 31, at 11:59 p.m. by visiting auburnal.myrec.com. Those who complete the hunt and uncover the special phrase will be entered into a grand prize drawing. Winners will be announced and contacted on Thursday, Sept. 5.
This citywide scavenger hunt is a fun, free way for families, friends, and individuals to explore Auburn and uncover hidden gems in the community. Don’t miss your chance to discover the secret phrase and win exciting prizes!
For more information, visit auburnal.gov/parks or contact Trevor Culligan at 334-501-2948 or tculligan@auburnal.gov.
Final Float-In-Movie of the season Night at the Museum
Make a splash at the final Float-In-Movie of the summer at Samford Pool (465 Wrights Mill Road) on Saturday, August 3! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with family and friends as we show Night at the Museum on the big screen. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at 8 p.m. Pool entry fee is $5 per person, and concessions will be available throughout the night. Whether you bring a float to relax in the water or a chair for poolside viewing, it’s the perfect way to close out the summer season with Auburn Parks and Recreation!
Weekend Tournaments and Events at Auburn Parks and Recreation Facilities August 1-3
Auburn Parks and Recreation is hosting a fun-filled weekend of tournaments and events August 1–3! The USTA Junior Level 6 Tournament will take place August 2–3 at Yarbrough Tennis Center, showcasing rising young tennis talent from across the region. Start your Saturday morning at City Market at Town Creek Park from 8–11 a.m. and shop the freshest produce, baked goods, and handmade items at Auburn’s best farmer’s market—only four markets remain this season! Then, close out the evening with the final Float-In-Movie of the summer at Samford Pool (465 Wrights Mill Road). Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the film Night at the Museum will begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $5, and concessions will be available. Don’t forget your favorite float or chair and enjoy a night of family fun under the stars!
Registration for 2025 Fall Programs begins Mon., August 4
The 2025 Auburn Parks and Recreation Fall Brochure is now available in print and online. Registration for all fall programs opens Monday, August 4.
Explore a wide variety of offerings:
• - Art and ceramics classes
• - Fitness programs
• - Tennis lessons
• - Senior field trips and classes (for ages 50 and up)
Visit auburnal.myrec.com to view the brochure and register.
Big Summer Sendoff set for August 9
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites families to celebrate the end of summer at the Big Summer Sendoff, a free community event at Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 1 to 5 p.m.
The fun doesn't have to stop when school begins on Aug. 8. The Big Summer Sendoff offers an afternoon of excitement for all ages, featuring a foam party at the pool, inflatables, face painting, free swim and a variety of family-friendly activities.
“This event is a great way for families to reconnect with neighbors and enjoy one last summer celebration before fall routines begin,” said Recreation Center Coordinator Sarah Cook.
Admission is free, and all community members are welcome.
For more information about events and programs at Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center, please contact Sarah Cook at 334-521-0201 or scook@auburnal.gov. For more information about Auburn Parks and Recreation programs and facilities, please contact 334-501-2930, visit auburnal.gov/parks or follow COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.
Auburn Arts Association Summer Invitational Exhibition
The Auburn Arts Association and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center invite the community to experience The Summer Invitational Exhibition, on view through Aug. 16 at the JDCAC. This exhibition features recent works by four Alabama-based artists: painters Nancy Mimms Hartsfield, Catie Radney, and Susan Harmon, along with typographic sculptor June Corley. Highlighting a range of styles from abstraction to realism, this show celebrates the creative talents of regional artists and marks the first group exhibition presented in the JDCAC’s newly renovated Art Gallery. Don't miss the chance to view this vibrant collection in a fresh new space dedicated to the arts.
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
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.
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